Sept. 18, 1933, is an important day in the history of North Idaho College and the 75-year anniversary of that day is nearing.
With the college’s 75th birthday on the horizon, NIC will be welcoming the community for a commemorative celebration in honor of the milestone. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, a picnic will be held in Fort Sherman Park behind the Edminster Student Union Building on campus.
“We want the entire community to come out and help us celebrate the college’s birthday!” said Christie Wood, 75th Anniversary Picnic chair.
Students, faculty and members of the community are invited to join in activities put on by the NIC Foundation. The menu will consist of items familiar to a picnic such as dogs, beans and cold beverages.
As part of the festivities, a classic car display, music from the past seven decades and displays of NIC memorabilia will be featured. A plethora of activities will be available to those that attend that will include a NIC trivia contest, tricycle races, badminton and croquet games. There will also be a pie-eating contest for those who wish to test their appetites.
Those who attend are encouraged to wear costumes related to their favorite decade. The best costume earns the winner a free one-night stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
There will be gifts for the first 200 people that show up, and everyone may enter a drawing for two $75 gift cards donated by Spokane Teachers Credit Union.
NIC President Priscilla Bell and Idaho Rep. Frank Henderson, a guest speaker at the 50th anniversary celebration, will be presenting opening remarks at 12:15 p.m.
Attendees may bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfort during the event.
NIC English Instructor Fran Bahr’s book chronicling the history of the college will be sold at the event for $29.95, and former NIC Presidents Bob Bennett and Barry Schuler will be signing each copy purchased. After Sept. 18 the price of the book will be raised by $10. A portion of the money from the sale of the book will benefit student scholarships at the college.
Those who preordered books will be able to pick up their copies at the event.
Parking will be available at the Riverstone parking garage on Northwest Boulevard or in the old Robin Hood Campground parking lot on the northeast side of campus. A free trolley will be running every 15 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parking permits will not be required during the event.
