For the past four years, Trunk or Treat, an event hosted by Delta State\u2019s Athletic Department, has provided a fun and safe Halloween environment for the children of the Cleveland community.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event is on the same night as a number of community activities that will celebrate the inauguration of Delta State University\u2019s eighth president, William N. LaForge.<\/p>\n
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Statesmen Park, children and their families are invited to come trick-or-treating at the university\u2019s football stadium, where athletic teams will set up booths with fun games and lots of candy.<\/p>\n
Each of the 14 Delta State teams will coordinate booths with themed activities. Children of all ages are invited to show up in costume and participate in the fun.<\/p>\n
Michael Vinson, a graduate assistant for student athletic services said, \u201cWe\u2019re trying to set up a way for kids to come out and interact with our athletes, get to know Delta State and enjoy a fun, safe Halloween.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following Trunk-or-Treat, the entire community is invited to a ceremonial cookout at the park in honor of LaForge. The cookout, hosted by the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, will provide an opportunity for everyone to meet and interact with the president and first lady.<\/p>\n
Event organizers are expecting a large turnout considering all the excitement in the air. The weekend also marks a big one for the green and white, as the Statesmen football team prepares for its 2013 Homecoming against Valdosta State at Parker Field on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to having the community come out and show support for the university and for the new president,\u201d said chamber Executive Director Judson Thigpen.<\/p>\n
Cleveland Mayor Billy Nowell, a former classmate of LaForge at Delta State, also plans to join the city in welcoming the president.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very excited to have Bill LaForge back in Cleveland and this is just a small way for us to show our support and excitement,\u201d said Nowell.<\/p>\n
Another big draw at the cookout will be musical entertainment provided by Delta State\u2019s own DMI All Stars band and a Beatles tribute band called 1964: The Tribute. LaForge, a lifelong musician, has always been a big fan of the Beatles.<\/p>\n
The event comes to a festive end with a fireworks show at 9 p.m., concluding a weeklong schedule of pre-inaugural activities. The Investiture Ceremony for LaForge beings at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 1 in the Bologna Performing Arts Center.<\/p>\n