Downtown event to welcome return of MSU students, home games

Contact: Sammy McDavid

To launch the 2002 fall semester and accompanying home-game football series, Mississippi State University's Student Association is sponsoring its third annual "Bulldog Bash."

The Sept. 13 welcome-back celebration for students, faculty, staff, and other residents of Oktibbeha County begins at 5:30 p.m. in a cordoned area of downtown Starkville. Activities will begin with a pep rally featuring head football coach Jackie Sherrill and members of the team, accompanied by the MSU Cheerleaders and Pom Squad. Cowbell ringing will be encouraged.

The street program also will include live entertainment and, for younger children, several recreational activities. Most downtown businesses are supporting the celebration with extended hours of operation and special discounts for interested shoppers.

At 8 p.m., the public event moves east on University Boulevard to the Cotton District residential area, where three musical stages will accommodate performances by six bands during the remainder of the evening.

Senior Jeremy Slocum of Coldwater, a member of the SA cabinet, said the student governing body is "most grateful and appreciative" for the City of Starkville's assistance in continuing the Bulldog Bash program.

"This community-wide festival is designed to bring everyone together as we begin a new school year," Slocum added. "It represents one of several goals the SA has announced for 2002-2003."

For additional information, telephone SA President Parker Wiseman at (662) 325-7930 or public relations director Angie Andrews at 325-3917.