Annual Family Festival weekend begins Sept. 29
Sept. 22, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- Spending quality time with the family will be high on the agenda for those attending Western Michigan University's annual Family Festival, Friday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 1.
The annual event, which is for WMU students and their parents, guardians, family members and friends, involves whole families in college life during a weekend of activities. It is being sponsored this year by the WMU Parents Association and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs in the Division of Student Affairs.
"The weekend gives families and friends a chance to spend time together while sharing some of the experiences that make WMU a special place for learning and personal growth," says Dr. Diane K. Swartz, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
Family Festival officially begins Friday evening with opportunities to enjoy a variety of entertainment and athletic events on campus and around town.
The evening will feature the Boehmer Family Jugglers, which consists of a mother, father and 11 siblings. The Boehmers have taken a family hobby and transformed it into a juggling, balancing and acrobatic "event" that has been presented around the country. The troupe is being sponsored by WMU's Campus Activities Board and will perform at 8 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center.
More theatrically minded families may choose to attend the production of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" at 8 p.m. in Miller Auditorium. The show also is being staged at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Saturday's Family Festival activities include campus tours from 1 to 3 p.m. starting at the Bernhard Center. The walking tours will give students a chance to show their families where much of their learning and growing takes place.
In addition, WMU Parents Association members and their families are invited to attend a tailgate from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hyames Field prior to the 1 p.m. football game between WMU and Ohio University.
Among those on hand to meet with families will be Dr. Elson S. Floyd, WMU president, and Dr. Theresa A. Powell, vice president for student affairs. The tailgate also will include performances by the WMU Marching Band, Cheer Team and Dance Team.
No specific activities have been scheduled for Sunday, giving students and their families time to explore campus or engage in other activities of their choosing, such as visiting the Student Recreation Center.
One-time passes, available on a pre-arranged basis for a nominal fee, will allow Family Festival participants to use the recreation center during normal operating hours throughout the weekend. In addition to trying out the center's climbing wall, families may participate in such activities as swimming, racquetball, volleyball, tennis and basketball.
For more information about the festival or to join the WMU Parents Association, call (616) 387-2152 or visit their Web site at <www.wmu-parents.wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu