Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: 23rd Annual Ag Day this Saturday

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Colorado State University hosts tasty Colorado barbecue before

Rams take on Montana State University

WHAT:     Colorado State University hosts its annual Ag Day barbecue, featuring popular Colorado-grown fare such as melons, potatoes, lamb, pork, beef, beans, ice cream, cheese and milk, apples, wheat bread and soft drinks. Complimentary Colorado-grown flowers are also given to attendees. The event features an opportunity to honor agriculture, which is among the state’s top three industries. Following the game, the Ag Alumni Chapter is sponsoring live music, food and celebration in the Ag Day tent. Admission is $10 and proceeds benefit scholarships. Tickets are limited, but admission includes food.

WHEN/     

WHERE:      10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Saturday, September 22, at the Hughes Stadium parking lot before the Rams take on Montana State University at 1 p.m. Hughes Stadium is located on Overland Trail, just south of Prospect Road. Meal tickets are required.

DETAILS/STORY IDEAS:     This annual event has been a fall tradition at Colorado State for 23 years. Each year, many companies, farmers and commodity groups donate the food that is served to about 3,500 attendees. These groups, along with other individuals, also volunteer their time to serve the barbecue. Proceeds furnish scholarships to Colorado State students.

This year, both co-organizers of the event are retiring. Frank Pierz and Jim Heird, who have been a part of the celebration for many years, will be focusing on additional duties with the university after this year. Heird, director of teaching and outreach at the Colorado State University Equine Center, has co-chaired the Ag Day planning committee since 1990 and will resign from those duties this year. Frank Pierz, who also has served as co-coordinator for years, has been assisting with planning the annual celebration since it began. He also has accepted a new position within the university as special assistant to the president. The two will also be recognized during the game.

Jerseys the Colorado State football players wear represent the agricultural roots of Colorado State; green and gold were chosen as the university’s official colors to reflect the institutions’ agriculture heritage. The "A" in the foothills above Hughes Stadium also stands for Aggies, the former nickname of the university, which was originally called Colorado A & M. In 1924, a group of volunteers decided to show their pride in Colorado State’s land grant status by painting rocks arranged in the shape of an "A" for Aggies on the foothill.

For tickets, please call the Ag Day Office at (970) 491-6497. Barbecue tickets are $15 each, and package tickets that include the football game are $40 each. Alumni Round Up tickets are $10 each. Game tickets only should be purchased at 970-491-RAMS.

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