Welcome Back Orange and Black Aug. 22! Students can win free car, diamond, other prizes, plus free food and entertainment

Idaho State University students will have a chance to win a car, a $2,500 diamond and other great prizes, plus enjoy free food, music and a variety of booths and entertainment during the second annual "Welcome Back Orange and Black" from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22 in Old Town Pocatello. "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."          

The car, a Lincoln Town Car 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 Jim Rogers, owner of Intermountain West Communications/KPVI-TV and is being painted by auto body staff at Cole Chevrolet.

The Russian diamond, donated by Molinelli's Jewelers in Old Town Pocatello, will also be awarded through a drawing at the event. Other prizes include gift certificates worth up to $250, a microwave oven, a cruiser bike and an ISU parking pass.

There will be about 60 booths manned by businesses and restaurants, which will be providing free food samples, coupons and drawings to promote their goods and services

Entertainment includes music by the eclectic Pocatello band Blind Autumn; bouncy houses for families and children; recreational activities by the Pocatello Parks Department; a 23-foot hockey-shot trailer; music by the ISU Marching Band; and appearances by the Bengal Dancers, ISU Cheerleaders and members of several ISU athletic teams.

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 decorated their businesses welcoming students back and letting them know their presence and business is appreciated. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorations.

Bus transportation will be available to Old Town leaving from designated campus locations and Bengal Village. The on-campus pickup stops are on Eighth Avenue/Cesar Chavez Way at the bus stop in front of the ISU Student Health Center across from the ISU Administration Building, and on the North Side of Holt Arena near the ticket office.

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

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