The Delta State Alumni Association is busy preparing for the 27th Annual Pig Pickin.’ This year’s event will be held September 21 and 22 at Statesmen Park. The staff has been hard at work preparing for this year’s event to ensure that it is a great day for everyone.
“The Delta State Alumni Association looks forward to the 27th Annual Pig Pickin’ on the campus of Delta State University. Pig Pickin’ is an opportunity for alumni & friends to stay connected to their university,” said Jeffrey Farris, director of alumni affairs. “The signature event also is a time for prospective students to visit campus through attending DSU Day. The event would not be possible without the support of local businesses, Cleveland Community, alumni volunteers, and the Delta State Athletic Department.”
This year’s festivities kick off Friday night with the Polk’s Sponsors’ Social at 6 p.m. at the Hugh E. Walker Alumni-Foundation House. The Delta State Softball Alumni Game will also be 6 p.m. at University Field. The Young Alumni Tailgating Party and Barbecue Competition Cooks’ Meeting both begin at 7 p.m. at Statesmen Park followed by entertainment provided by Back 40 beginning at 8 p.m.
Saturday’s activities begin with the 21st annual Delta State Triathlon at the HPER Aquatic Center.
“Participants for this year’s Triathlon are at an all-time high,” said Ronnie Mayers, assistant athletic director for development and director of aquatics. “We are looking forward to another successful Delta State Triathlon.”
Phi Mu Sorority is hosting a Bunko Tournament at the State Room in the HL Nowell Student Union from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Statesmen Baseball squad game is at 11 a.m. at Ferriss Field. DSU Day for prospective students and parents is also Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. DSU Day is organized to show future students and their parents around campus, give them information about the school as well as involve them in one of Delta State’s biggest events – Pig Pickin’.
“This is a great opportunity for us to cover all the schools in Mississippi and for prospective students to come visit campus,” said Rodney Martin, director of admissions. “We’ve got a lot going on that day. We’ll be able to reach students with an academic fair, so they’ll get to meet a lot of people on campus they’ll need to answer questions. Then we’ll finish up the day by giving them tickets to Pig Pickin’ and the football game.”
DSU Band Day for alumni, students, and future students begins at 11:30 a.m.
From 1 to 5 p.m., the Kids Zone will be open at Statesmen Park along with alumni and friends tailgating and entertainment provided by DMI bands Ol’ Skool Review and Delta Rox. Pig Pickin’ barbeque serving will be open from 3 to 5 p.m., and there will be a pep rally at 3:30 p.m. The barbecue competition and Wal-Mart bike raffle winners will be announced at 5 p.m., and the Delta State football team will take on North Alabama beginning at 6 p.m.
