SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University’s yearlong 125th anniversary celebration will continue June 21 with a community picnic.

It is planned for outside the Russell Wright Alumni House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be inside if it rains.

Bob Watson, who recently retired from SRU as interim vice president for student affairs, said the picnic is to recall a celebratory banquet in February 1889 by the residents of what was then Centerville after representatives of Gov. James Beaver approved the campus of what was to become Slippery Rock University.

Centerville residents came up with the idea for the school in 1888 and worked to raise money and construct the buildings.

“We’re really focusing on Slippery Rock University, the university that the town built,” Watson said.

He said people who attend the picnic will get good food and learn a great deal about SRU and its founding.

“I guarantee that they will learn more than they already know,” Watson said.

SRU students will offer 20- to 30-minute walking tours of the original part of the campus. Watson said some nonwalking tours also will be offered.

Videographers will be on hand to record people talking about their experience with SRU and Slippery Rock. People with SRU memorabilia can donate items or have them photographed and scanned at the picnic for SRU archives.

In addition, bands will perform.

To raise money for the school in 1888, townspeople sold shares of stock. Members of 20 families bought shares. Organizers of the picnic worked to find descendants of those families to invite to the event.

Of the 20 founding families, Watson said that members of a quarter of them have said they will come.

He said about 100 people are confirmed to attend.

“We’re definitely going to have a lot more than that,” Watson said.

He said reservations are recommended by Wednesday so organizers know how much food to prepare.

The cost is $12.

Reservations can be made by calling 724-738-2003 or visiting regstg.com/Registration/Introduction.

Additionally, Watson said an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the cost of tickets for anyone living in Greystone Manor, Amity House or Allegheny Valley School group homes as long as they respond by Monday.

For information on the 125th anniversary celebration, visit www.sru.edu/125celebration/pages/home.aspx.