ISU Communiversity’s sixth annual ‘Welcome Back Orange and Black’ set 4-7 p.m. August 24 in Old Town Pocatello

POCATELLO – Idaho State University students will again have a chance to win a Bengal-painted car and other great prizes, plus enjoy free food, music and a variety of booths and entertainment during the sixth annual “Welcome Back Orange and Black” from 4 to 7 p.m. August 24 in Old Town Pocatello.

“This is one of the highlights of the year for the entire community, welcoming back Idaho State University students to Pocatello and campus,” said Stephanie Palagi, event organizer and executive director of Old Town Pocatello. “This year’s event features some new wrinkles for the participating students. For example, we’ll have a DJ and karaoke instead of a live band, and we will continue to offer great prizes, games, food and entertainment for the participants.”

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

Buses will bring students downtown, and once the students arrive, they’ll be given a free Welcome Back T-shirt donated by the ISU Credit Union. Pocatello Regional Transit and ISU 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 the bus stop in the north Holt Arena Parking lot.

KORR 104’s on-air personality Kelly Martinez will be the master of ceremonies for the event. Music and karaoke will be provided by Just Dance. The Bengal cheerleaders will kick off the event and students will be able to mingle with them, ISU athletes, and the talented Benny the Bengal. Also on hand will be the ISU Marching band and the Bengal Dancers.

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 compete in a watermelon-eating contest.

Students can win, through a random drawing, the grand-prize Bengal car, a white 2005 Yukon decorated with Bengal paw prints. The Yukon was donated by the City of Pocatello, tires for it were provided by Big O Tires, New Day Products provided detail work, Mike Verbeck donated mechanical work and Sign-A-Rama applied the Bengal paw prints.

A Ruckus scooter will also be given away, donated by Idaho Central Credit Union, as well as a bike donated by the Portneuf Health Care Foundation. Other prizes include two $150 flex pass meal tickets from Chartwells, a semester parking pass at ISU, five $100 certificates from the ISU Bookstore, a microwave, a refrigerator from Idaho Power, and many more prizes.

The car and rest of the prizes will be awarded through a drawing for students who present their student Bengal ID card at the celebration.

The Idaho State Journal, Idaho State University, City of Pocatello, Old Town Pocatello, Inc., and the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce are hosting the event. It celebrates the partnership and relationship between the University and the community.

Businesses and residents are being encouraged to “Paint the Town Orange and Black,” before Aug. 24. Decorations can remain up through Oct. 11, the start of ISU Homecoming week. Participants can display ISU colors in storefronts or at their homes. To download posters and for tips on decorating, visit www.isucommuniversity.com/decorating-challenge.

For more information on Welcome Back Orange and Black activities, contact Stephanie Palagi at spalagi@oldtownpocatello.com or visit www.isucommuniversity.com/home/welcome-back-orange-black.