Brock University students are invited to mingle with local residents and munch on some free food at two community barbecues being held to welcome them back to Niagara.

The first event will take place in the Pen Centre parking lot in St. Catharines on Saturday, Sept. 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

In partnership with the City of St Catharines Town and Gown Committee, the Pen Centre, Zehrs and the University, the Community BBQ aims to continue efforts to build relationships between the student population and local citizens in hopes of creating a vibrant, safe and respectful community.

The following week, on Saturday, Sept. 14, Front Street in Thorold will close for the Thorold Community Backyard BBQ and Student Welcome. Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the street festival-style event aims to introduce new students to the Thorold community. It will include activities such as yoga, basketball, bocce, lawn darts, live music and a scavenger hunt, as well as a free barbecue and snacks.

For more information on both barbecue events, please contact Student Life and Community Experience at x6321 or studentlife@brocku.ca