BEMIDJI, Minn. (Aug. 10, 2011) — Bemidji State University, the Alumni Association and the BSU Foundation invite the community of Bemidji to the Sixth Annual Community Appreciation Day, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25. 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. at the BSU Pavilion and lake side areas on the BSU campus, leading into Bemidji State’s 7 p.m. season-opening football game against Minot (N.D.) State University. Free shuttle bus service from the parking lots at Bangsberg Hall and the John Glas Fieldhouse will begin at 4:30 p.m.

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

The event will feature the “A Taste of BSU,” featuring an array of food items from local restaurants and organizations including Coca-Cola, Lueken’s Village Foods, Aramark, Qdoba, Minnesota Nice Cafe, Beaver Pride, Bemidji Area Alumni Chapter and the Bemidji Fire Department Fry Crew.

There will also be a “Meet the Beavers” session where kids can meet student-athletes from Bemidji State’s intercollegiate varsity sports. The players will be leading a number of interactive games, and Bucky the Beaver will be available for photographs.

In addition, dozens of booths from various campus departments and activities and local businesses and organizations, along with a variety of games for children, balloons and face painting, will be available throughout the evening. Booth spaces are still available; businesses or organizations wishing to participate in Community Appreciation Day are encouraged to call the BSU Foundation at (218) 755-2779.

At 7 p.m., the festivities will move to Chet Anderson Stadium, where the Beavers will be attempting to set an all-time attendance record for their season-opening football game against Minot State. Community Appreciation Day attendees can get tickets to the game for only $5.

At halftime of the game, Bemidji State officials will donate proceeds from booth registration fees and private donations accepted throughout Community Appreciation Day to Minot State University officials to support flood relief. The Minot, N.D., community was devastated by flooding in late June and early July of this year, and cleanup efforts are still taking place. Following the game, Paul Bunyan Communications will sponsor a fireworks show.

Bemidji State University’s Sixth Annual Community Appreciation Day is sponsored by the BSU Foundation and Alumni Association, Paul Bunyan Communications, the Bemidji Pioneer and Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, including radio stations Z99, KB101, KZY, KBUN and True Oldies 104.5. The “Beaver Bash” football game is sponsored by R.P. Broadcasting.

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