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Show Monday, September 8, 2008 HOMECOMING 2008 . THE SIGNPOST Purple Reign decorate, also, the first 200 students at the tailgate party will receive free chips, drink and a hot dog," Said Bev Rudd, the faculty advisor for the Purple Pak. "We're trying to get students By Eric Call to come out and meet new sr. news reporter I The Signpost people and most of all have fun." Students who wish to receive Saturday before the homecoming game against Dixie State, the Purple free food must be among the Pak and Student Alumni Association first 200 at the north end of the will be decorating the Stewart stadium and must show their Stadium, then hosting a tailgate student ID. Purple Pak members party. They will start decorating will receive a free game day the stadium at 12:00 p.m., and all giveaway and there is also a party students are invited to participate. for them in the Purple Pak Shack "The number one reason on the east end of the stadium. The tailgate party begins why students don't like to come to Weber is because they don't at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday the get involved," said Dave Baker, 12th. It is intended to be a sort chair of the Purple Pak. "This is a of "meet and greet" where perfect opportunity to become students can meet up with involved and have some fun." friends and meet new friends. "Our goal this year is to get The Pak plans to decorate the entire stadium purple in an effort to studentstoshowtheirschoolspirit boost school spirit and get students more," said Minor. "We are trying to come out and have fun on campus. to draw them out of the college triangle "There are and make a lot of things it fun for happening at them to get Weber that involved people don't and try know about," n e w said James things." Minor, a senior T h e mechanical Purple Pak engineering is always and technology clearly majorwhoisalso visible at president of the football Student Alumni games in Association, the front which the Purple I'llOIC) HY UKICEKELSCH | IHL SK.NfOSt Pak is a part of. Waldo the Wildcat in Stewart Stadium r o ww s "This is meant wearing to get people to t h e i r come out and get involved. Work school pride and cheering at the and school are important, but you top of their lungs. They are still also need to come and have fun." accepting members for this year While the decorating of the and students can join at any home stadium is mostly intended for football game. Membership fee is members of the Purple Pak, ail $20, and includes two free t-shirts, students who are interested entrance to the Purple Pak are invited to come and help shack, and many other goodies. paint Stewart Stadium purple and show their school spirit. Comment on this story at "Everyone is welcome to come wsusignpost.com Purple Pak to decorate stadium A W S U student participating in last year's Raint the Town Purple event. This year 1,200 students are expected to attend (he event, which is Monday. By Heidi LeBaron news editor I The Signpost Last year, when the Weber State University Activities Committee met to plan Homecoming, Troy Poll had an idea. The committee discussed "Paint the Town Purple," a new homecoming tradition at WSU. Students handed out purple t-shirts to local businesses to spread school spirit. But last year, the committee had a different take on the concept. "Last year, I thought, 'That would be fun if we literally did that,"1 Poll said. He had seen painted storefronts near other college campuses and thought it would be fun to upgrade an old tradition. The committee also made a contest out of it. The experiment was a success, and 600 people showed up to the event when they only expected 200. "It went over so well last year that it would be foolish to do anything else this year," said Poll, who is now the WSU programming vice president. And so, for the second year in a row, Wildcats will paint the town purple to kick-off homecoming week. Ana Velasquez, WSU Campus Activities Director, said the event is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 pm. "It should just be huge," Velasquez said. "People obviously love it." Velasquez and Poll are in charge of organizing the event; both said they are expecting 1,200 participants this year. "It's going to be the thing to do," Poll said. "Everyone is going to be there." Poll said the paint the town purple event has combined with the traditional painting of the 'W and homecoming pep-rally There will be free food and concerts from WSU band Double or Nothing and regional group Allred. "Not only is it just going to helping out," Poll said, "but also it's going to be an enjoyable time." Students will meet at the Ogden Amphitheater at 25th Street and Washington Boulevard. They will men commence two hours of painting pre-approved Ogden businesses. "It's a really good way to connect the community with Weber State University and to have school pride," Velasquez said. She said that almost sixty businesses are opening their doors and windows to purple paint this week. "I think it's such a fun week," said Jessica Sims, a business junior. "I like to have a lot of support for Weber State." Sims participated last year and said she wouldn't miss coming back. "There are so many people who come out. A whole bunch of my friends go and we hang out. Sometimes you get into paint fights and you end up with paint all over you so it's fun." Velasquez said she enjoyed connecting the campus and community, and getting together as one to celebrate Homecoming week "It's going to be a blast," Velasquez said. "It's a great way to get in the spirit of Weber State and a chance to show your artistic side as well as your school pride." Past paintings have included everything from purple polka dots to football players. Murals will te judged on creativity, but will also be awarded for incorporating this year's homecoming theme 'Then and Now.' Poll attributed the event's popularity to student committees and leaders' hard work on campus. "They've really stepped it up," Poll said, "and it's them that's really making this the novel activity that it will be." Poll said he hopes this year's activity's moment will carry over, forming a lasting tradition for WSU. "I think a strong showing this year will keep it going a long time," Pool said. "If we offer an event that's just so solid then it's something mat I definitely hope and expect will go on for years to come." Comment on this story jit wsusignpost. corn. Going, going, almost gone ^ Homecoming kick off party] Ogden Amphitheater 25th street and Keisel Buy a Mac for College and get a p\"- ;• FREE iP Visit your WSU Bookstore for details •*-f A I *• •ft.. •<•••..•*.•-:• . :;/r mtAllred feryofie Invited! >'.> *\> ^ 6:30 PWk CAMPUS | STORES Authorized Campus Store THE t olor edition brought to you by your l^tonday Septmeber 8, 2008 CAMPUS I STORES |