The University of Minnesota takes over downtown St. Paul on Thursday, August 31 for Maroon and Gold Day festivities in the state capital. Activities throughout the area will showcase the downtown St. Paul community and special University programming, including Golden Gopher men's athletics.

The Golden Gopher football kickoff rally and University of Minnesota Marching Band parade will take place at the Fifth Annual Employee/Tenant Appreciation Party from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by The Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater St. Paul, the festivities will be located on Robert Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. The parade starts at 11:15 a.m., beginning at Rice Park, marching down Fourth Street to Mears Park and ending at the party site. Free pizza and beverages will be served at the rally.

Included in the parade and pepfest will be a number of local dignitaries and celebrities, including University President Mark Yudof, Governor Jesse Ventura, St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, Interim Athletics Director Tom Moe, Golden Gopher Football Coach Glen Mason, legendary Minnesota broadcaster Ray Christensen, the Golden Gopher cheerleaders and Goldy Gopher.

In addition to the parade and football kickoff rally, several other activities will take place during "Maroon and Gold Day." The day begins with a breakfast with President Mark Yudof from 7:30-9 a.m. at the St. Paul Hotel. Then, from 10:15-10:45 a.m., the Minnesota Children's Museum hosts a kids pepfest where children young and old can learn cheers from Goldy Gopher and the Minnesota cheer squad. Anyone wearing maroon and gold will receive $1 off museum admission. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the Goldy Gopher prize patrol will give prizes to anyone wearing maroon and gold in the downtown St. Paul Dayton's.

For more information on all "Maroon and Gold Day" activities, call 612-625-9195 or email Elizabeth Patty at patty@tc.umn.edu.