By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
Chadron State College will host its 10th annual The Big Event Saturday, April 9 throughout the community.
The Chadron City Council approved a proclamation declaring the month of April, 'Big Event Month' at the April 4 meeting. Chadron City Manager John Sutherland said the event is great for the community.
"This is an event that happens every year with Chadron State College, who organizes volunteers to help the city and various other property owners...and interested parties in town," Sutherland said. "They do just odd job type work, all kinds of things that wouldn't otherwise get done if you didn't have some volunteer help. I gotta tell you, the city gains a lot of help from the volunteers on The Big Event day."
Sutherland said it's great to see that type of commitment in the Chadron community during The Big Event.
"There's stuff that literally wouldn't get done if we didn't have the support of volunteers like that," Sutherland said. "It makes a difference in how the city looks. For instance, we had volunteers who help us in our parks, do maintenance work...that it just would not happen. The parks look so much better and are more attractive as a result of the help we get. And that's just a small example of what goes on The Big Event day."
Dr. Shaunda French-Collins, faculty adviser for The Big Event, said The Big Event alumni are being invited to a recognition dinner April 8 at 6 p.m. in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium.
“It is encouraging to see the event grow from obscurity to a CSC tradition. The campus seems to have embraced The Big Event,” Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life Sam Parker said in a recent CSC story by Asia Graham/Tena L. Cook.
Chadron State College students are also excited for The Big Event.
“It is a huge honor to have a whole month dedicated to The Big Event, especially on our ten-year anniversary," Kincaid Strain said. "Being able to celebrate and recognize all the hard work done by Dr. French - Collins, both previous and current staff, as well as the amazing volunteers and community members is very exciting. “
“This proclamation is the perfect way to honor The Big Event’s legacy in the Chadron community," Kinsey Smith said. "The Big Event has positively impacted students, faculty and staff and community members for a decade now, so it is great to see it officially become a part of Chadron’s history.”