'American Idol' alum Sam Woolf to perform at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee event

BRADENTON -- "American Idol" finalist Sam Woolf will help the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee celebrate its 40th birthday next weekend.

The 40th Anniversary All-Alumni Festival is free and begins at noon Feb. 20.

The event is open to alumni of all USF campuses. Officials also invited area residents to join in on the festivities, which will include representatives from the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders.

"We wanted to create a festival with a homecoming feel with the USF marching band, USF mascot Rocky D. Bull and the alumni association, but also something very family friendly," Jay Riley, program director of student alumni engagement, said in a statement. "It's basically a family-friendly event for people of all ages."

Woolf, who in 2014 finished in the top five season 13 of the Fox network's popular "American Idol" talent show, is scheduled to take the stage between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Among the other activities and entertainers scheduled are:

The USF "Horns Up" 30-piece marching band, USF cheerleaders and USF Sundolls from noon to 1 p.m. and the Jeff Evans Band from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Other events throughout the day include WUSF "Bob the Builder"-themed children's activities; USF Alumni Spirit Tent featuring face painting and games; "IRush" inflatable obstacle course; 26-foot rock wall; and beach volleyball and basketball.

Food trucks as well as frozen yogurt and snow cone carts will be at the event.

Additionally, counselors from admissions and career services will be at the Selby Auditorium from 1 to 2 p.m. to talk about USFSM's colleges, academic programs, student clubs and scholarship opportunities.

Parking and admission are free. To attend or learn more visit usfsm.edu/allalumni. The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus is located at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Meghin Delaney, education reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7081. Follow her on Twitter@MeghinDelaney.

This story was originally published February 14, 2016 at 10:15 AM with the headline "'American Idol' alum Sam Woolf to perform at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee event ."