And a good day for a football game.
And a good day to see the importance that Albany State University has on the community, and a good day to welcome some old friends of the university back to town.
Weather reports Friday indicated that even Mother Nature was likely to be a Rams fan today. A breezy, overcast day with a high around 80 was in the forecast, and rain was not expected to hit until after midnight.
After all, the week of ASU’s homecoming is the biggest event that hits Albany all year long.
“Last year resulted in a $4.5 million economic impact,” Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Lisa Riddle said this week. “It is our biggest weekend of the year.
“We have thousands of people coming. We have these people spending money and creating an economic impact. No other event brings this many people into town.”
The economic impact is gaining recognition, but more than that is the increasing feeling of ASU as a part — a significant part — of the community. In the past few years, more and more businesses and Albany residents are waking up and embracing that significance.
It was not that many years ago that only an odd sign or two at motels and restaurants welcomed Ram alumni back. Now, more businesses are decking out in blue and gold. You see more folks wearing ASU apparel and more ASU window flags flutter in the wind as vehicles move on the streets.
It is a refreshing development.
This evolution of attitude isn’t complete, but it is getting stronger each year. That is a trend that should be encouraged by all and accelerated.
Meanwhile, join in the celebrations today. A parade will wind through downtown this morning. This afternoon, the Rams take the field at Albany Municipal Stadium. Tonight, music and other activities will round out the day.
When ASU’s alumni head back home, we can hope they have enjoyed the community’s reception and hospitality so that they’ll want to return again and again.
ASU is something to celebrate, and no celebration is more enjoyable than one shared with old friends.
— The Albany Herald Editorial Board
