In 1995, a group of students, faculty and alumni from Oklahoma State University traveled to the University of Florida to witness its annual pep rally known as the Gator Growl," which would become the inspiration for Oklahoma State's "Orange Peel" event.
A month after witnessing the Gator Growl, student leaders were selected and the planning and preparation for the first Orange Peel began.
When creators contemplated on a name they decided to get away from OSU's longstanding cowboy theme and establish a unique school identity. So to honor Oklahoma State University's primary color the rally became known as "Orange Peel". After deciding on the pep rally name, the students decided to let the campus submit ideas for a mascot. From this contest, the mascot named "Pulp" was born. He was to be an orange wearing a cowboy hat and boots.
With a mascot and a name, the team forged ahead developing a mission statement and a set of goals. The mission was simple and ambitious: "To become the largest student-produced concert event in the country and provide the OSU family with national and local headlining entertainment."
Within a few years, the event has attracted such big-name entertainers as Alan Jackson, Jason Mraz, Lit, Pablo Francisco, Incubus, Sinbad, Barenaked Ladies, Better Than Ezra, Vanessa Carlton, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, Blues Traveler, David Spade, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Cosby, Damon Wayans, The Hero Factor, Randy Travis and Ben Folds.
In 2006, country superstar Alan Jackson, comedian Bill Engvall, and The Hero Factor performed.
As of August 1, Orange Peel for the 2007-2008 school year has been canceled. Reasons cited for the cancellation have been lack of funds and inability to secure musical or comic acts.
Orange Peel of 2008 was held at the Gallagher Iba Arena on October 3, 2008, and featured Sugarland, Motion City Soundtrack, Kellie Pickler and Ashton Shepherd.
The 2009 event featured Jimmy Fallon and Jason Aldean.
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