The Bishop Backers have invited the public to Community Day 2016, a countywide celebration of Delaware that offers free family fun.
The second annual event will include free admission to an Ohio Wesleyan University men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader (with a canned food donation), a community expo showcasing local businesses and nonprofit agencies, a visit from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium animals, a pickleball demonstration provided by the Delaware Community Center YMCA, a chance to win a flat-screen TV and other prizes, and more.
Community Day 2016 will be held Saturday, Jan. 23, at Ohio Wesleyan’s Branch Rickey Arena and Gordon Field House, 105 S. Sandusky St. The community expo will be open from noon to 3:30 p.m. in the field house, with zoo animals joining the celebration from 2 to 3 p.m. Admission is free, with food available for purchase.
At 1 p.m., the Ohio Wesleyan men’s and women’s basketball teams will take on Denison University. The women’s game tips off first, followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m.
During the expo, attendees will be able to request entry tickets for prize drawings that include a flat-screen TV and gift cards from local merchants. (Attendees must be 18 or older to enter the drawings and must be present to win when winners are announced at halftime of the men’s game.)
Representatives from the city, county and university will welcome the Community Day crowd, and halftime entertainment will feature a celebrity three-point competition.
Organizations wishing to participate in the expo are asked to register before Jan. 18. Registration is free for nonprofit organizations. For-profit businesses are asked to contribute a minimum $10 gift card. Expo registration forms are available online at www.owu.edu/BishopBackers.pdf.
Community Day is intended to bring people together for a free day of entertainment and education, building upon the strong sense of cooperation and collaboration that makes Delaware such a great place to live, work and play, say organizers. The expo also will help businesses and community service organizations connect with potential customers and volunteers, including OWU students and alumni. Canned food donations will benefit LSS Food Pantries operated by Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.
Community Day 2016 sponsors include Creative Financial Insurance, Hilborn Insurance and Rosebud Properties, LLC.
The Bishop Backers is an organization of community advocates interested in sharing information about the breadth of athletics, arts and educational opportunities available at Ohio Wesleyan and in connecting potential student-volunteers, interns and employees with local organizations. Follow the Bishop Backers or learn more about the organization at www.facebook.com/BishopBackers.
