At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, seeing red is a good thing.
Especially for the eighth annual Wear Red Day on Friday, Aug. 30.
That’s when students, faculty, staff, community members, businesses, alumni, groups of UL Lafayette supporters — anyone, really — can dress in red to display their University spirit and vie for bragging rights as Wear Red Champions.
This year’s Wear Red Champions will be recognized during an on-field presentation at the Oct. 5 football game against Texas State at Cajun Field.
“Wear Red Day is a continuation of the school spirit and pride that is already fostered on campus. Friday’s are always Wear Red days in a show of support for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. This is simply an extension of that,” said Matt Tarver, the University’s assistant director of brand management and creative services.
Wear Red Day happens in conjunction with College Colors Day. Fans nationwide are encouraged to wear their favorite college or university apparel, according to the website collegecolorsday.com.
For the University’s Wear Red Day, participants will vie for recognition as 2013 Wear Red Champions by submitting photos that will be judged in several categories.
“A committee comprised of University staff members will judge entries. There’s a category for best sign, another for best slogan. Businesses will be divided into three categories — small, medium and large,” Tarver said.
Photos, which can be posted to the University’s Wear Red Facebook page at facebook.com/RaginCajunsWearRed, also will be judged on creativity.
“The more creative ones are usually the ones that win. We’ve seen everything from people including mannequins in their photos to pets clad in red. And some of the signs are very original,” Tarver said.
“You don’t have to be a graduate, or live in the region to take part. You can be in Loreauville or Los Angeles or London and still show school spirit. In years past, we’ve received submissions from across the United States and from Paris, Canada, Afghanistan,” Tarver said.
Deadline for photo submissions is Sept. 9.
For more information about the University’s Wear Red Day, call (337) 482-6574 or send an e-mail to WearRed@louisiana.edu.