News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 3/7/03   SLU'S ROCK ‘N ROAR VII OFFERS FUN FOR ALL ON MARCH 22       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s "Rock 'n Roar Fest,” a day-long festival showcasing Southeastern's fine academics and fun atmosphere, will return Saturday, March 22 for a seventh successful year.       Rock ‘n Roar VII, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes a multitude of entertainment, academic displays, and other activities headquartered at the War Memorial Student Union.       Created by the Alumni Association in 1997, Rock ‘n Roar VII will entertain teens from Tangipahoa, Livingston, St. Helena, Washington, St. Tammany, St. John the Baptist, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville and St. Charles Parishes. The approximately 3,000 students are coming to campus for the Southeast Louisiana District Literary Rally, where they will compete in 43 different subjects.        Rock ‘n Roar VII is following its predecessor’s successful track record of providing a day of family fun for both the Literary Rally visitors and the community, said Wendy Van Dalen, who is coordinating the festival.        “Rock ‘n Roar has proved to be such a great way to get the community, the campus and the visiting high school students together,” said Van Dalen, who is a counselor in the university’s Career and Academic Planning (CAP) Center. “It’s great for the high school students to see what Southeastern is all about – not just the academic part of campus life, but the fun part, too. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for community families to have fun and socialize.”       Van Dalen said one of Rock ‘n Roar’s newest events, the barbecue ribs cook off that debuted last year, has been expanded this year to include chicken as well as ribs. The chicken and ribs cook-off is sponsored by the Hammond Daily Star.       Van Dalen said contestants can compete for first and second prizes of $100 and $50, respectively, in both categories and for a $200 grand prize. The grilling begins at 8 a.m., with judging scheduled for noon. Contestants can apply online at www.selu.edu/roarfest.        Another first for Rock ‘n Roar is a partnership with the Hammond Downtown Development District’s Saturday farmers market. Usually held at the city’s Cate Square, the marker will move to campus on March 22, Van Dalen said.       “We’re also excited to host a visit by the popular Audubon Zoomobile, which our children and families will really enjoy,” Van Dalen said.       The fun families will find at Rock ‘n Roar VII also includes popular camps for children; the University Police Department's free KidCare Photo I.D. program; displays of motorcycles and police cars; and activities such as a space walk, face painting, puppet show, and petting zoo.       Parents can pick up applications for camps at the Alumni Center, 500 West University Ave., or register online at www.selu.edu/roarfest.        Camps include a dance camp conducted by the Lionettes and Lionette Alumni from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kinesiology and Health Studies Building; and art, baseball, and football camps from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.        The art camp is scheduled for Clark Hall, while the baseball and football camp will take place at Strawberry Stadium and the practice fields west of the stadium, respectively.       Camp fees are $5 for the art, football and baseball camps and $15 for the dance camp.       When the approximately 3,000 high school students finish their tests and wait for results to be posted, they can join area residents in gathering useful and entertaining information from hands-on academic displays, financial aid and career booths; test their skills at basketball free throws and golf putting games, and choose refreshments from a wide variety of food booths sponsored by student organizations and alumni chapters. They can also view a car display and even get their own cars washed.       Rock ‘n Roar patrons can also visit the Department of Nursing's health fair, co-sponsored by North Oaks Health System, where they can visit health information booths, fill out a lifestyle questionnaire, and be screened for blood pressure, glucose, and body mass. Kids can learn about scooter and fire safety.        They also can visit a plant sale, arts and crafts booths, and enjoy music and entertainment provided by the band "Hat Trick,” the Southeastern Gospel Choir and local dance studios.       For additional information about Rock 'n Roar, call the Alumni Center at 985-549-2150 or 1-800-SLU-ALUM, or visit www.selu.edu/roarfest. Return to News Releases