Turlock downtown rolls out the red (and gold) carpet for Stanislaus State students

Downtown Turlock will welcome back the university crowd Wednesday evening with “Warriors Explore Downtown.”

The city center will be bedecked in red and gold, the colors of California State University, Stanislaus, in an effort to promote town-and-gown bonds and encourage shopping and dining downtown.

The 5 to 8 p.m. event is a collaboration between the city of Turlock, Stanislaus State and the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association.

“Turlock is proud to be home to Stan State. It’ll be great to come together as one community to celebrate the university in our downtown,” said Gary Soiseth, mayor of Turlock. “It’s our goal to strengthen the relationship between the campus and the city, and this is a large step in this direction.”

Students can hop on a bus running between the university’s Warrior Arena and Central Park from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. At Central Park, there will be specialty vendors and activities. Students will have an opportunity to participate in the Passport Experience, which will introduce them to 10 downtown businesses and qualify them to win raffle prizes.

“The business community is excited to welcome students, faculty, staff and alumni back to school and to downtown,” said Gina Loretelli, executive director of the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association.

She encouraged visitors to look for red and gold balloons in front of businesses participating in the event with discounts and services.

Nicole Larson, president of Associated Students Inc. at Stanislaus State, said she hopes the collaboration between the city and university is the start of a strong tradition.

“Growing up in Turlock, I know the attractions and revitalization that has taken place downtown,” she said. “Newer students to this area do not even know where downtown is because it is on the other side of town.”

Students will get food vouchers for downtown eateries provided by Associated Students, and Stanislaus State’s own Code Red Entertainment will play.

Alumni are encouraged to come and show Warrior pride by wearing their school colors, said Lisa McMullen, the university’s director of alumni relations.

“This event is an opportunity for them not only to have an enjoyable evening downtown, but to meet current students,” McMullen said.

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 2:18 PM with the headline "Turlock downtown rolls out the red (and gold) carpet for Stanislaus State students."