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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University's football team invites members of the community to its second annual Fan Fest from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, in Waldo Stadium. The event will take place in conjunction with the Broncos' open scrimmage. Admission is free and open to the public.

WMU will be partnering with First Day Shoe Fund during the Fan Fest, and fans are encouraged to bring a new pair of children's athletic shoes to donate. The First Day Shoe Fund will have representatives on hand inside Gate 1 and in Lot 10.

There will be activities for fans of all ages, including sports skill challenges with members of other WMU athletic teams, inflatable games, a selfie station, face painting with the Bronco cheer and dance squads, and a post-practice autograph session.

For fans wishing to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes operations of Bronco Athletics, facility tours of the Bill Brown Center and Seelye Athletic Center will be offered.

Fans will also have a chance to purchase WMU practice and game-worn gear. Attendees will receive a 2018 WMU football poster, which they can have signed by their favorite WMU players and coaches following the scrimmage. The first 500 fans will receive a Bronco flashlight key chain.

Those who still need to purchase their 2018 season football tickets can meet with members of the Bronco ticket office to pick their seats for all six home games at Waldo Stadium.

WMU opens the 2018 season hosting Syracuse University at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Single game and season tickets, as well as Pick 3 Plans are or call (888) 4-WMU-TIX.

PARKING INFORMATION

Fan Fest attendees can park in Lots 10, 11, 12 and 102.

ABOUT THE FIRST DAY SHOE FUND

Since incorporating in 2006, First Day Shoe Fund has provided new athletic shoes to students qualifying for free- or reduced-price lunch and has grown to serve elementary students from Kalamazoo Public Schools, Comstock Public Schools, Paramount Charter Academy, WoodsEdge Learning Center, Vicksburg and Portage's Haverhill Elementary. In 2017, First Day Shoe Fund and its supporters supplied 4,687 pairs of shoes to children in Kalamazoo County.

At the start of each school year, families are given a chance to sign up for their child to receive new shoes; and volunteers and school staff work to find the right fit for each student's feet. New shoes that fit properly are critical to a child's self-esteem and ability to participate in gym class, recess and after-school sports activities.

First Day Shoe Fund accepts donations of shoes and uses monetary donations to purchase shoes in all sizes each year. Learn how to contribute and volunteer

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.