After a disappointing end to last year’s Be Out Day, this year’s committee is focusing on bringing the event back to its original form.
With last year’s event ending early because of a fight that broke out between bystanders, many changes were made this year to make the 12th annual event safer and more like a family affair.
“It’s for the whole university community, not just for the students,” said Alexia Robinson, publicity chair for Be Out Day. “We’re trying to do something for everyone.”
The committee has decided to try to cater to everyone by breaking up the talent portions by adding other performances and bringing in different types of music.
Acts will include jazz, rhythm and blues, hip-hop and modeling.
Segments of the show will be broken up between gospel, dance, step groups and national acts that will be in town to perform.
A few of this year’s invited artists are: the Florida A&M University and Florida State University choirs, Love and Faith Ministry Choir, Rico Love of US Records, Young Jock of Bad Boy South Records and Field Mob of Disturbing tha Peace Records.
“We are inviting the performers and they are agreeing to come perform for free,” Robinson said.
According to committee members, cooperation with national acts has been a success, even though funds for the event have been cut.
Kimberly Clark was the previous primary sponsor for the event, but Boeing will be the new primary sponsor this year.
“It’s a time in which A and S funds have been cut,” said Ashleigh Bolar, co-chair for Be Out Day. “We want to leave a good taste upon the sponsor’s mouth, so they won’t regret sponsoring the event.”
The event will have a separate kid’s zone for younger children which will include face painting, balloons, play stations and clowns for their enjoyment.
A health fair and community agency showcase which will also take place simultaneously in the gymnasium across the street from the main event.
“The health fair will be inside the gym,” said Khare Hawkins, chairman and coordinator for Be Out Day. “We will have the main stage for the event and Wahnish Way will be cut-off for the vendors.”
Be Out Day will also be in conjunction with the annual Orange and Green football game, which will be held on the lower level of the intramural field at 4 p.m.
To kick-off the event, Blazin 102.3 FM, will host a pre-concert which will take place on Friday night in Gaither gymnasium.
The committee said it is looking forward to the event and is expecting a great turn-out.
It’s most important focus is to make sure there is a positive vibe throughout the entire event.
Committee members said they are hoping the students and the public will leave a good impression on the new sponsor for this year’s event.
“It usually turns out to be a big party,” said Hawkins. “We want it to be a day that the community can come out and have fun.”
The event will begin at noon on April 15 on the intramural field located on Wahnish Way. The official radio station for the event will be 100.7-FM The Beat.
Contact Sean Woods at seanwoods2001@hotmail.com.