ISU Communiversity’s ninth annual “Welcome Back Orange and Black” set 4-7 p.m. Monday Aug. 20

Welcome Back Orange and Black, held every fall, is one of two ISU Communiversity events held annually to celebrate the partnership between the University and community; the other is Celebrate Idaho State held on campus each spring.

“This is one of the highlights of the year for the entire community, welcoming back Idaho State University students, faculty and staff to our community and campus,” said Stephanie Palagi, event organizer and executive director of Old Town Pocatello. “This year’s event features some new fun for participating students along with some great prizes and games.”

The main prize drawing will be held at 6:15 p.m. for students who present their Bengal ID card at the celebration. Participants must be present to win.

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 Reed Gymnasium parking lot and will drop off students on Main Street in front of the Old Town Pavilion.

KORR 104’s on-air personality Kelly Martinez will be the master of ceremonies for the event, which will feature a watermelon-eating contest and various other interactive games and contests that audience members can participate in. The Bengal Cheerleaders, ISU athletes, Benny the Bengal, ISU Marching Band and the Bengal Dancers will be at the event to help entertain and welcome the crowd. 

Organizers are expecting dozens of booths manned by businesses and restaurants excited to present their products and services to our ISU Bengals. The entire Old Town Pocatello Pavilion area and surrounding streets will be full of food samples, games, drawings and special coupons students can use to experience the business communities of Pocatello and Chubbuck. 

Students can win, through a random drawing, prizes including a MacBook package valued at approximately $2,500 from Idaho Central Credit Union or a mountain bike valued at more than $400 from the Portneuf Health Trust and Barrie’s Ski and Sports. Other prizes include two $250 flex pass meal tickets from Chartwells, a Go Pro camera from ISU Credit Union, two $100 gift certificates from the ISU Bookstore, a microwave from the City of Pocatello, ISU parking passes for student, one reserved parking space for the entire year and more smaller prizes.

The Idaho State Journal, Idaho State University, City of Pocatello, Old Town Pocatello, Inc., and the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce will host the event.

Businesses and residents are encouraged to “Paint the Town Orange and Black,” before Aug. 20. Decorations can remain up through Sept. 24, 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.

Businesses and residents are encouraged to “Paint the Town Orange and Black,” before Aug. 20. Decorations can remain up through Sept. 24, 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.