Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University and Nacogdoches-based Fredonia Brewery have created a beverage named Purple Lights to celebrate the university’s tradition of displaying purple lights on campus when its athletic teams are victorious.

“What an exciting day for Jack Nation and SFA,” Ryan Ivey, SFA’s athletics director, said. “This has been a fun project to see from concept to execution and provides a great opportunity for fans, alumni and all of those associated with SFA to stay connected and celebrate those ‘Purple Lights’ moments wherever they may be.”

A light American lager with a touch of sweetness and crisp finish, Purple Lights will be brewed by Fredonia Brewery in partnership with SFA and available on tap at the brewery starting Aug. 20. Regional and statewide distribution will take place throughout the fall semester.

“It’s been incredibly exciting for Fredonia Brewery to have the opportunity to brew SFA’s official beer,” Paul Murray, a partner with Fredonia Brewery, said. “I think our collaboration will be a huge success, and I cannot wait to get it into the hands of Ladyjack and Lumberjack fans.”

A portion of the sales will benefit the SFA general licensing royalties fund.

“From the minute we began our conversations with Fredonia Brewery representatives, their passion, independent mentality and attention to designing a great-tasting custom flavor attracted us to this project,” Wally Crittenden, SFA’s associate athletics director, said.

Fans interested in Purple Lights are encouraged to ask their favorite grocery stores and restaurants to request the beverage from their distributors. Requests also can be emailed to sales@fredoniabrewery.com.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host its fifth Kiwifruit Field Day with presentations on the growing, research and marketing of kiwifruit.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

Lunch will be provided, followed by a tour of the kiwifruit field trials at SFA Gardens from 1 to 4 p.m.

Speakers will include Dr. David Creech of SFA Gardens, Tim Hartmann of Texas A&M University, Jay Spears of Auburn University, David Anderson of Anderson Food Sales and Marketing in Nacogdoches, and economic analyst Alan Burnie.

Topics include kiwifruit production in Texas and Alabama, growing potential for Texas farmers, kiwifruit market trends, and economic risks in kiwifruit production.

The cost of the field day is $45 per person. Advance registration is required, and the deadline to register is Sept. 20. To register, visit the SFA Gardens website or Facebook page, or send an inquiry email to sfagardens@sfasu.edu.