From left:  Clarion A.D. Dave Katis, Mayor Andrea Estadt, Clarion head football coach Jay Foster; Conservancy President Pat McFarland, Chamber Executive Director Tracy Becker prepare for Clarion Blue & Gold Kickoff Days at the corner of 6th and Main St. in Clarion.

           The Clarion University Athletic Department, the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry and the Clarion Conservancy have combined forces to promote Clarion football and area businesses in the form of Clarion "Blue and Gold Kickoff Days." A total of 30 area businesses are sponsoring the two events.
            Blue and Gold Kickoff Days are set for downtown Clarion on Thursday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 18 from 3-6 p.m. on South 6th Ave. between Main St. and Merle. The street will be blocked off and a pep rally atmosphere will be held prior to Clarion's football games against Fairmont State and Shippensburg, with the idea of promoting the games and the downtown as a great place to do business. The September 2 game against Fairmont State will feature the 2010 team, while the 1980 PSAC Championship team will be the focal point of the September 18 event. A number of other surprises and promotions are still in the works.
            On September 2 festivities scheduled between 3-6 p.m. include meeting the football team in the first hour. Then, Jay Foster, 2009 PSAC-West "Coach of the Year," football captains Alfonso Hoggard (read a TribLIVE feature article about Hoggard at: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_695947.html) and Nick Sipes, along with the Clarion University Pep Band, Cheerleaders and Dance Team are all performing. Following that C-93 will broadcast live from town with interviews with new Clarion President Dr. Karen M. Whitney, Athletic Director Dave Katis and Mayor Andrea Estadt and much more. The September 18 event will still include meeting the 2010 team, but also feature members of the 1980 PSAC Championship team, which was coached by Al Jacks. Chamber Executive Director Tracy Becker will emcee the events.  
            "We are so happy to be working with the Chamber and the Conservancy on this promotion," said Clarion AD Dave Katis. "Working together we can really help each other and have a lot of fun doing it at the same time." 
            Clarion merchants participating in the event will be open for business and feature sidewalk sale items in front of their stores, while some are also offering special prizes that can be signed up for on that day. Check with participating stores for in-store prizes and listen for more information on radio station WCCR-FM - C-93, the flagship station of Clarion football.       
            "As a Clarion University grad, Mayor and local businesswoman I think it is imperative we work together to create a positive atmosphere for students and community," said Clarion Mayor Andrea Estadt. "A pep rally in downtown Clarion that brings students, families and alumni downtown provides numerous opportunities to build long lasting relationships between local businesses and the university."
            The Golden Eagles were 8-3 last year, 6-1 in the PSAC-Western Division and finished the year ranked 8th in the final Super Region 1 poll, just missing the Division II Playoffs. Clarion returns 19 starters and 38 lettermen in 2010, including All-America running back Alfonso Hoggard and All-America safety Nick Sipes.
            "This is an opportunity for us to showcase what Clarion has to offer Clarion University students and their families," said Clarion Chamber Executive Director Tracy Becker. "We're also excited about having PSAC-West "Coach of the Year" Jay Foster and "Player of the Year" Alfonso Hoggard and an exciting football team to cheer on in 2010. Come to Clarion and be part of our pep rally before the games."
            Clarion Conservancy President Pat McFarland is excited about the "Kickoff Days". "I am so happy that the Conservancy and the University are working together to help promote each other. We both have a lot to offer each other and this is a great opportunity to build on that relationship here in Clarion."
            The Conservancy's Mission is to preserve, promote and protect the town of Clarion through organization, economic development, design and public relations.
            CLARION NOTES: Game time for both Fairmont State and Shippensburg will be 6 p.m. at Memorial Stadium . . . The 30 stores participating in the Blue and Gold Kickoff Days include . . . The Accidental Artists; The Bathtub, Kitchen Sink and Petey Dink's; Bob's Sub Shop; Captain Loomis; Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry; Clarion Conservancy; Clarion County Community Bank; CVS; Daddy's Main Street; Dan Estadt's Sports; Dan Smith Candies & Gifts; Divine Designs; F.L. Crooks & Company; Faller's Furniture; The Farmers National Bank; Fulmer House Books & Collectibles; GR Cellular; James Jewelers; Marshall's Hair, Nail & Tanning; Michelle's Café; The Olive Branch; Picture This T's; Pristine Nails; Sage Meadow; Scrap Happy; Slagle's Home Brew; Studio XIII; Uppers & Downers; Wein's; Zeller's Music Stand.