Wares Fair and Fire Up Fest bringing local businesses and athletics together Sept. 1

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Food, sports, events and friends will all be within a short walking distance.

On Wednesday, organizers of the annual Fire Up Fest hope to bring activities to students that go beyond the pizza-eating, Xbox-playing monotony of college life.

“Fire Up Fest is an event to get the students and general public excited for the football season,” said Mike Dabbs, assistant director of marketing and community relations for Athletics.

The Wares Fair will take place 6 to 8 p.m. in Kelly/Shorts Stadium and is open to all students.

In 1970, Central Michigan Life organized the Wares Fair during Fire Up Fest as an opportunity for businesses and retailers in the community to present merchandise to students, It is also seen by organizers as a way to show school spirit and gain support for the athletics department.

Kathy Simon, assistant director of student media and Wares Fair coordinator, said the annual event allows local businesses to introduce themselves to CMU students.

About 7,000 to 8,000 students are expected to be in attendance at the expo, where more than 90 local and national businesses will also set up stands and give away free items.

Some of the businesses that will be present include the large variety of local pizza chains and sandwich shops, B’s Music Shop, Walmart and Sam’s Club.

“It also will be the site of the Most Spirited Chippewa Contest,” Simon said.

Here, students can get decked out in CMU gear and possibly qualify as one of the top 10 “most spirited.” Some even paint their entire bodies in maroon and gold.

Contestants will be photographed at the contest’s tent and the top 10 contestants will be featured in an online vote. The winner receives $100 and an iPod.

“(We have) a lot of momentum right now and we really need the student support,” Dabbs said. “Our students are very important to the athletics department.”