August 23, 2004

SIUC exhibit will feature 4th edition of Saluki fan

by Paula M. Davenport

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will again highlight its unique mascot at this year's Du Quoin State Fair, Aug. 28 through Sept. 6.

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Ronnie

The only University with a Saluki dog mascot, SIUC will treat dawg lovers who drop by its tent to all sorts of giveaways and free presentations.

For starters, the immensely popular handheld Saluki fans return for a fourth consecutive year. Collectors will want to get their hands on the new version, which features the visage of a brindle Saluki named Ronnie, owned by Ellie Case of Decatur.

As an added treat, Ronnie will greet fairgoers from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, in the SIUC tent, across the street to the north of the Hayes Mansion. Be sure to bring the family and friends by for an instant digital photo alongside our two-legged, life-size Saluki mascot in full graduation regalia. Photos will be available between 1 and 5 p.m. weekends and between 4 and 8 p.m. weekdays throughout the fair.

Giveaways will run the gamut from colorful paw print tattoos, chip clips and window clings to jar grippers, tote bags and more. There will be a drawing for an autographed Saluki basketball at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 and a drawing for an autographed Saluki football at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5.

Special presentations, most between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., will feature different SIUC programs and people.

All days

  • Saluki Fan giveaways, enter drawing for free I-Pod giveaway, photos with the Saluki Mascot, other giveaways.

Saturday, Aug. 28

  • Wildlife experts will tell you all about two "Little-Seen Animals of Southern Illinois," featuring audio-visual presentations on bats (10:30-11:15 a.m. and 1:30-2:15 p.m.) and bobcats (11:30 a.m.-noon and 2:30-3 p.m.) by respective scientists Tim Carter and Clay Nielsen. Also, displays of tools, pelts, handouts, photos and quotes from undergraduate science researchers and more.

Sunday, Aug. 29

  • Jon Davey, associate professor, architectural and interior design, will help visitors build their own miniature "Bucky Balls" after design master R. Buckminster Fuller, former SIUC professor known for his geodesic dome creations.

Tuesday, Aug. 31 and Wednesday Sept. 1

  • 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Zoology graduate student Jesse Trushenski and some of her peers will have information on the University's fisheries program and will bring along a tabletop aquarium.

Saturday, Sept. 4

  • Robert DeHoet, education coordinator at the University Museum, will bring a hands-on activity for kids called "Name that Artifact" and will have handouts of museum newsletters and exhibit schedules.
  • 1:30-1:50 p.m.: Hear a rousing performance by the Marching Salukis band, who'll perform in full uniform outside the SIUC tent.
  • 5 p.m.: Drawing for Saluki basketball.

Sunday, Sept. 5

  • Formula One race team captain, student Jennie Rivers, and team members will showcase their single-driver, open-wheeled auto, which competes annually in Michigan. Check out the team's race gear and learn about programs within the sponsoring College of Engineering.
  • Kids, stop by and glue bright beads, glass and other adornments onto a 65-pound Saluki statue to give it a mosaic look.
  • 2-4 p.m. Live Saluki dog Ronnie will greet visitors.
  • 5 p.m.: Drawing for Saluki football.

Monday, Sept. 6

  • Check out the Chevy Nova dragster and take a realistic "flight " in the new Boeing-Mesa flight simulator. Visit with students and faculty from the automotive technology and aviation management, flight and technology programs as well as a special guest from Boeing. Free balsa wood gliders and other freebies for the kids.
  • 1 p.m., Drawings for free Saluki puppy sculpture and Ipod music player.