Downtown Turlock will paint itself red and gold Wednesday as local businesses and restaurants welcome Stanislaus State students back for the second annual Warriors Explore Downtown event.
“We’re very proud to be home to such a dynamic university and I encourage all residents to join me in Downtown Turlock Wednesday night to show their pride for Stanislaus State,” said Mayor Gary Soiseth.
This event, which kicked off with nearly 40 participating businesses last year, is a collaborative effort between the City of Turlock, Stanislaus State, Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association and the United States Army.
“The new Warrior Wednesday tradition is a great way to welcome our Stanislaus State students, faculty, staff and alumni back home to Turlock for the new school year,” said Soiseth. “This night demonstrates the ever-strengthening partnership between Stanislaus State and our Turlock community.”
Throughout the evening, Stanislaus State students will get the opportunity to explore Downtown Turlock shops and restaurants to see what they have to offer. Students who visit participating businesses will receive special promotions, as well as a chance to enter into a drawing to win fuel cards, a television, a bike or tickets to a Beyoncé concert.
Downtown Turlock’s Central Park will also hold a myriad of activities, including a dunk tank, rock wall and DJ — all of which will be hosted by Stanislaus State and the United States Army.
“Warriors Explore Downtown, much like the 4th of July, is another fantastic example of the collaborative relationship the university, its students, faculty and staff has with the Turlock community,” said Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn.
Free shuttles will be provided for students to transport them from Stanislaus State and Downtown Turlock. Shuttles will pick up students in front of on-campus housing and drop them off at Central Park downtown. The first shuttle will pick up at 4:30 p.m. on campus and will run every 15 minutes throughout the evening. The last shuttle will leave Downtown Turlock at 10 p.m.
The Warriors Explore Downtown event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Downtown Turlock.
Current Stanislaus State students will not be the only ones roaming Downtown Turlock Wednesday as the campus’ Alumni Association will also be hosting its inaugural Warrior Wednesdays event at Dust Bowl Brewing Company’s downtown location.
“People are looking for ways to connect with one another and a one-time event does not always work for everyone, or encourage ongoing connections,” said Alumni Association Director Lisa McMullen. “We have heard from our alumni about how they want opportunities to stay connected to their alma mater in ways that fit their schedule.
“Providing a monthly, join-us-when-you-can event that can be replicated in other areas will accomplish that,” continued McMullen.
During the event, McMullen said alumni can purchase food and beverages and engage in conversation with fellow alumni.
“The intent to attend may be different for each alumni,” said McMullen. “If you are a recent grad, you may be looking to network and find a mentor in the field of your profession. If you are an established professional, you may be looking to reconnect with fellow Warriors for a social experience.”
McMullen said that the Alumni Association Advisory Council, namely Chair Adrian Harrell, wanted to create an informal event to allow alumni the opportunity to gather for social or professional networking.
“The Alumni Association’s goal for any event is to engage our alumni in a great experience,” said McMullen. “There is a unique bond among alumni--there are more than 55,000 people who have walked a similar path at Stan State.”
The Alumni Association’s first monthly Warrior Wednesdays event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dust Bowl Brewing Company, 200 W. Main St. Upcoming Warrior Wednesdays are scheduled at Bistro 234 (Oct. 12), Hauck’s Grill (Nov. 9) and Table 26 (Dec. 14).
