NIU students and DeKalb citizens are encouraged to learn more about each other at a Sunday picnic sponsored by NIU’s largest student business organization and kicked-off by DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow.

Sparrow will speak at the first NIU/DeKalb Community Unity Picnic sponsored by the American Marketing Association’s Public Relations Committee at Huber Park.

“It gives AMA members and other NIU students an opportunity to interact with people in the surrounding community. It also gives both groups a chance to learn more about each other,” said Kevin Kramer, AMA’s director of public relations.

There are games planned for children, students and adults and prizes such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, posters and toys will be awarded to the winners. In addition, free refreshments will be provided.

Kramer said the picnic is guaranteed to be a day of fun and excitement. However, the fun will come to an end at about 5 p.m., depending on weather conditions.

“Hopefully, a lot of people will take advantage of the opportunity and come out for some great fun on Sunday. We hope this will become a fall tradition,” Kramer said.

In case of bad weather, the alternative location for the picnic is at the Eagles Club on Fourth Street in DeKalb. Kramer said the public relations committee is grateful for donations and DeKalb business support of the AMA.

AMA hosts events to benefit the NIU campus and the DeKalb community, as well as to strengthen the community awareness of AMA. The 40 member PR committee is one of 12 different committees that AMA members can join. Committees range from selling to communications. The 400-member-strong AMA is the largest student business organization on campus and welcomes students of all majors.