‘Welcome Back Orange and Black’ student bash set 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 in Old Town Poky

Idaho State University students will have a chance to win a car and other great prizes, plus enjoy free food, music and a variety of booths and entertainment during the third annual "Welcome Back Orange and Black" from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 in Old Town Pocatello.

The prize drawing will be held at 6 p.m.

"It's going to be bigger and better than last year," said Valorie Watkins, event organizer. "We've had great support welcoming students back to campus and to our communities."           

Buses will bring students downtown, and once the students arrive, they'll be given an orange Welcome Back T-shirt donated by the ISU Credit Union. Pocatello Regional Transit buses will leave from Eighth Avenue/Cesar Chavez Way at the bus stop in front of the ISU Student Health Center across from the ISU Administration Building and from Bengal Creek off-campus.

The ISU Marching band, the Bengal Dancers, and the cheerleaders will kick off the event and students will be able to mingle with them, with ISU athletes, and the talented Benny the Bengal.

Music by Blind Autumn will keep things lively for students to dance or listen to while they visit the various booths, or play games.  Basketball, disc golf, pickle ball, volleyball and a football toss are being provided by the cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck.  Leadership Pocatello will conduct a watermelon-eating contest and a number of restaurants are offering food and beverage samples. Organizers are expecting dozens of booths manned by businesses and restaurants, which will be providing free food samples, coupons and drawings to promote their goods and services.

Students can win book or meal certificates, necessities for their dorm rooms or apartments, a scooter, a bike, a skateboard, a diamond ring, or the grand prize, the "Bengal Car."  The car, a 2005 Kia Sportage painted in orange and black with a Bengal logo, will be awarded through a drawing for students who fill out an information card at the celebration on the first day of fall semester.

The car was donated by KPVI- TV 6 and is being painted by Anderson Body and Glass in American Falls and Les Schwab donated the tires.  Pocatello Nissan Kia provided mechanical services.

The Idaho State Journal, KPVI-TV, Idaho State University, City of Pocatello, Old Town Pocatello, the Chamber of Commerce and many other sponsors are hosting the event. It celebrates the partnership and relationship between the university and the community.

Businesses are being encouraged to paint signs in their store windows and decorate their businesses welcoming students back and letting them know their presence and business are appreciated. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorations.

For more information, contact Watkins, 208-238-1278.

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