BEMIDJI, Minn. (Aug. 18, 2009) — Bemidji State University, the Alumni Association and the BSU Foundation invite the community of Bemidji to the Fourth Annual Community Appreciation Day, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27. The event is Bemidji State University’s way to thank the residents of Bemidji and the surrounding communities for all they do to support the University.

The event, which is open to the public free of charge, will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will run until after dusk at the BSU Pavilion and lake side areas on the BSU campus. Free shuttle bus service from the parking lots at Bangsberg Hall and the John Glas Fieldhouse will begin at 4 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. Half-price general-admission tickets will be available for Bemidji State’s home football opener against Minot (N.D.) State University. That game, which also takes place on Aug. 27, will begin at 7 p.m. at Chet Anderson Stadium, adjacent to the portion of campus hosting Community Appreciation Day.

In event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the John Glas Fieldhouse.

The Community Appreciation Day will feature the “A Taste of BSU” food bonanza, featuring an array of Bemidji State-themed food items from local restaurants and organizations including Lueken’s Village Foods, Tutto Bene, Green Mill, Peppercorn, Minnesota Nice Cafe, Aramark, Coca-Cola, BSU Bemidji Alumni Chapter and Beaver Pride/Fire Department Fry Crew.

There will also be a “Meet the Beavers” session with an opportunity to meet a variety of student-athletes from Bemidji State’s intercollegiate varsity sports. Participants will have an opportunity to meet and take pictures with Bucky the Beaver.

In addition more than two dozen booths from various campus departments and activities and a variety of games for children, plus balloons and face painting, will be available throughout the evening.

Community Appreciation Day will also feature a live entertainment stage, which will showcase a variety of local acts including Power Play, Octaveblue and the BSU Swing Dancers.

At dusk following the football game, there will be a fireworks show presented by Paul Bunyan Telephone.

The Fourth Annual Community Appreciation Day is sponsored by the BSU Foundation and Alumni Association, Paul Bunyan Telephone, the Bemidji Pioneer and Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, which includes the radio stations Z99, KB101, KZY, KBUN and True Oldies 104.5.

For more information about Community Appreciation Day, please contact the BSU Foundation at (218) 755-2762.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Aug. 27 – 4:30 p.m. – Bemidji State University hosts its Fourth Annual Community Appreciation Day. Location: BSU Pavilion and lake side by the Hobson Memorial Union, BSU campus. Admission: free; half-price general-admission tickets available to 7 p.m. football game vs Minot (N.D.) State University. Gates open and shuttle service from Bangsberg and John Glas Fieldhouse parking lots begins at 4 p.m. Information: (218) 755-2762.