It’s Also Land-Grant Day

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University will celebrate it’s heritage as a land-grant institution as well as homecoming on Saturday Oct. 10.

The Land-Grant Day celebration starts with an Extravaganza Fair from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Rugby Field across the street from the Lewis Alumni Centre. Student clubs in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics will sponsor a variety of games, displays and other activities that will take visitors on an virtual exploration of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics.

Club members will sell food, T-shirts, caps, plants, balloons and other goods and services to raise money for their activities.

At each tour stop, visitors will collect a stamp.  People collecting stamps at every stop will be eligible to enter a grand prize drawing that will be held during the College of Agriculture and Home Economics Alumni and Friends Benefit Auction at 6:30 p.m.  Individuals must be present to win.

Antique tractors, engines and equipment will be on display on the Rugby Field from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The equipment will be displayed by members of the Early Day Gas Engine Association, Branch 54, based in Lewiston, Idaho, and Clarkston, Wash.

A social hour for alumni and friends of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Rugby Field after the WSU-University Oregon football game.

Everett Martin and members of Alpha Zeta agricultural honorary society will provide a barbecue beef dinner starting at  5:30 p.m.  Seating will be under tents. Entertainment will be provided by “Loose on the Palouse,” a faculty bluegrass band. Cost for the barbecue is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

The annual college benefit auction will get underway at 6:30 p.m. at the same location.  The event raises funds for student club awards, the college’s alumni newsletter, faculty advising award and other college alumni activities.

C.D. “Butch” Booker of Booker Auction Company, Colfax, will host the auction.

A country western concert and dance featuring a live performance by the Pony Express Band at 9 p.m. will follow on the Rugby Field.  Tickets are $3 per person; $5 per couple.

Times for Land-Grant Day events may be altered if the game start is changed  from 2 p.m. to accommodate a telecast.

Tax-deductible auction items are still being sought by the college alumni and development office.  Contact the office at (509) 335-2243 for details or for more information on Land-Grant Day activities.

WSU was founded in 1890 under the provisions of the Morill Act of 1862, which provided grants of federal land to the states for the support of colleges that would provide a practical education for the public, with special concern for those of rural background.

– 30 –