Jenna Crowe

Staff Writer

The 2016 fall semester at Idaho State University kicks off with a bang as students are able to attend the sixth annual Welcome Back Orange and Black Communiversity event on Monday, Aug. 22.

This event, started by Valorie Watkins and hosted in Old Town Pocatello offers a way to promote more involvement between the students and the Pocatello community.

“There is actually a sister event in the spring,” said Adam Reed, an intern assisting with Communiversity.

The Welcome Back event runs from 4-7 p.m., with a raffle drawing taking place around 6:30 p.m. New and returning ISU students are welcome to attend, as well as staff and faculty.

Students are brought to Old Town Pocatello to enjoy food, karaoke, music and various other activities, provided by Old Town Pocatello, local businesses and vendors.

ISU students will also receive a free T-shirt from the ISU Credit Union, and can also enter a raffle with many prizes geared towards a college student’s biggest necessities.

“There’s no car this year,” Reed said. “We are going to focus on providing a few nicer prizes.”

Participants can also receive free samples and store discounts to promote local businesses. About 70 booths will participate, including restaurants within Old Town Pocatello, along with Costa Vida and Texas Roadhouse.

“Banks will be there as well, which is good for freshman because they give good deals,” Reed said.

In addition to new and returning students, members of the ISU community will also make appearances at the event as well.

Benny the Bengal will perform around the giant Bengal head, along with the Bengal cheerleaders and dancers.

The ISU Marching Band as well as some of the student athletes will also be performing and engaging students.

Pocatello Regional Transit will provide free transportation for students. Pickup locations include the bus stop in the North Holt Arena parking lot as well as the stop next to the ISU Health Center.

Businesses surrounding Old Town Pocatello are encouraged to participate in a decorating challenge to show their Bengal pride.

Participants should have their decorations up before the Welcome Back event, and can keep them up until the beginning of ISU homecoming week. For decorating ideas or posters, please visit www.isucommuniversity.com/decorating-challenge.

For more information, feel free to contact Reed at ude.usinull@vinummoc or visit www.isucommuniversity.com/home/welcome-back-orange-black.

“For your first time, it’s a great opportunity to really see what the community has to offer,” Reed said. “And also a chance to get involved.”