IN A FLASH: An Official Celebration of Our Unofficial Mascot

2024 Black Squirrel Festival.

 

Squirrels rule! Flashes are invited to celebrate Kent State's famous black squirrels at the annual Black Squirrel Festival from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, on Risman Plaza. 
 

2024 Black Squirrel Festival.

 

Scamper on over for food, music, games, tabling by local businesses and student organizations, and an opportunity for students to get a free t-shirt!

2024 Black Squirrel Festival.

 

The event is presented by Flashes Activities Board and the Center for Student Involvement. Kent's ubiquitous black squirrels became unofficial mascots of Kent State (sorry, Flash!) after being introduced to campus in 1961.

2024 Black Squirrel Festival.
2025 Black Squirrel Festival.

Want to see YOUR photos in “IN A FLASH?” Submit your Kent State-related photos to InAFlash@kent.edu and you may see them in a future Kent State Today post. Photos should be framed -horizontally- and include a brief description of what’s happening in the photo along with when and where it was taken.

Photos are from the 2024 Black Squirrel Festival.

POSTED: Thursday, September 11, 2025 10:53 AM
Updated: Thursday, September 11, 2025 11:47 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen
PHOTO CREDIT:
Bob Christy