Friday, Oct. 14

Come to the gala and dance

Friday night’s Honors Gala is gonna be a party! On Oct. 14 in the Sanford Center, the Alumni & Foundation will honor alumni award winners, recognize its most generous donors and celebrate the university’s historic Imagine Tomorrow campaign. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is such a special occasion, the evening will continue with dancing to Fargo’s hottest classic rock horn band, the 12-piece band Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome. Tickets are $50.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Parade in downtown Bemidji

The cross country team will warm up the route at 11 a.m. by running the Beaver Mile on Beltrami Avenue from Second Street to 15th Street. All are welcome to enter a float, musical unit, student organization or community group – and especially to come downtown to watch. The parade also will feature distinguished alumni, BSU’s new president Dr. Faith Hensrud and Grand Marshall Willie Stittsworth. A 1953 graduate, Stittsworth taught at BSU for 22 years (1967-89) in the professional education and health/physical education departments.

Before, during and after football

Another Homecoming tradition is tailgating in Diamond Point Park. Bring your favorite food and beverages or enjoy what is provided with a free-will offering. (Must be 21 to consume alcohol.) Following the Beavers’ 2 p.m. game against Minot State in Chet Anderson Stadium, watch BSU’s new president join with coaches and players to take the Lake Bemidji plunge (if they win!). A post-game football alumni reunion will take place in the Beaux Arts Ballroom in the Upper Union, followed by a traditional Football Alumni Social at the Elks Club downtown. Other alumni athletes should check with program coaches to determine if gatherings are scheduled.

Street Dance with The Front Fenders

Barricades will close Beltrami Avenue between Third and Fourth streets for the Ninth Annual Beaver Block Party/Street Dance. The Bemidji Area Alumni Chapter is bringing The Front Fenders back to keep the street wide awake from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Alumni are encouraged to get involved with planning and executing this popular event that keeps the Saturday celebration going. (Must be 21 or older to attend.)

Sunday, Oct. 16

Carl O. Thompson Concert

A perfect way to wrap up the weekend, this 3 p.m. concert in Bangsberg Recital Hall will feature the university’s performing ensembles and special guests, as well as the instrumental and vocal Carl O. Thompson Scholarship winners, Lynnea Iverson (oboe) and Leandra Craigmile (soprano).