It's hoped that heads will turn and the attention of Wagga Wagga locals will focus on the colour and movement of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Town and Gown parade on Wednesday 25 October.The parade of academics and students will be led by the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey and the leadership team of CSU including Chancellor Dr Michele Allan, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, members of the University Council, and other distinguished guests. Speaking about the colourful event, Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Ms Miriam Dayhew said how important it was to recognise the role education played in the life of the city of Wagga Wagga."Wagga Wagga is an education city and the Town and Gown procession highlights the importance of this sector to the local economy and the social and cultural fabric of the community," Ms Dayhew said."The procession has grown over the years, originally being an event to coincide with graduation ceremonies for the University, it has now expanded to become a public celebration of the role education plays in the region."The public celebration embraces participants from predecessor institutions of the University with alumni of the WWTCA (the former Teachers College) as well as other educational institutions including TAFE, the Medical School of Notre Dame University (Australia), educators from the Defence Forces, Australian Airline Pilot Academy, and local primary and secondary schools, accompanied by the Kapooka Army Band and the Riverina Concert Band."Ms Dayhew said that some people who have never been to university or attended a graduation ceremony may perceive the parade as somewhat of a novelty, seeing people dressed in academic robes, wearing trenchers (mortar boards) and bonnets and draped in coloured sashes and stoles harking back to medieval times."The parade is a little different, but importantly acknowledges the place of education and research in the life of Wagga Wagga, and allows the public the opportunity to encourage and thank those who teach and support those who are studying, no matter what institution they attend," Ms Dayhew said."We hope that the long and well established relationship Charles Sturt University has with Wagga Wagga continues long into the future, and we look forward to welcoming and encouraging the public to line Baylis Street as the parade passes by next Wednesday."The Town and Gown Parade will commence at 4.30pm next Wednesday 25 October, proceed along Baylis Street, and conclude at the Civic Theatre precinct with speeches and a brief public reception.