 Well, it's a tradition that started 12 years ago and for Bemidji State University showing the community that they're appreciated is important. Hady Clodder shows us how BSU says thank you. I'm just happy we live here and get to do this. Bemidji has really fun stuff. The support for Bemidji State University runs deep in this town. BSU's way of saying thank you is at the 12th annual community appreciation day. Without the community support, without a positive town-gown relationship, it would be a little bit difficult for our students and for our faculty and staff here. So it's really a wonderful opportunity for them to see not only what we have going on and for parents and children to connect with some of our student athletes and to understand what they might be able to participate in later in the year. About a thousand people showed up to enjoy free food and just mingle. We just love to support the whole Bemidji communities and all the eateries around or whatever you would call it. This year's event was bigger and more space was available for local businesses to set up shops. For fellow alum Brett Barr, having a relationship with the community is valuable. There's a reason why the event was held on the lakeside lawn. They can be amongst the buildings, communicate with some of the different programs that are out here, the academic programs, the student clubs and organizations to be able to experience campus a little bit. In the midst of the crowd was a sea of green and BSU supporters like Sue and Steve Engel weren't going to miss this day. Seeing all the players come back after their summer and they're excited for their seasons and nice to see them and then it's just nice to see people out here enjoying the campus. It feels pretty good. I mean I'm a freshman and I've never seen anything like this so it's kind of cool to be in this atmosphere. To have all these people come out and support not only athletics but BSU as a school and as a campus and it really means a lot and just kind of shows what this northern capital has to offer to its schools. It's nice to be appreciated. We love the Mid-State University. Role Bees! In Bemidji, Haiti-Quatter, Lakeland News. During the two-hour event the Bemidji Area Alumni Chapter served 1,000 hot dogs. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.