A weekend packed full of activities and events awaits WVU students and their families during Family Weekend Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
The events provide families an opportunity to spend time with their WVU students, learn about academics and experience campus life. Highlights include a Family Weekend Welcome Center, Mountaineer Family Tailgate, Mountaineer football game, 5K walk and WVUp All Night activities.
As families arrive in town Friday (Aug. 31) afternoon, they can stop by between 4-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Family Weekend Welcome Center in the WVU Mountainlair Vandalia Lounge. Here, they can mingle with other WVU families and will be greeted by University representatives. The first 1,000 guests will receive a complimentary lapel pin in the shape of a silver maple leaf and a special T-shirt.
Visitors are also invited to attend FanFest on the Mountainlair plaza from 5-6 p.m where they will be treated to a pep rally featuring Mountaineer Football Coach Rich Rodriguez, football players, cheerleaders, Mountaineer mascot Brady Campbell andThe Pride of West Virginia, the Mountaineer Marching Band.
The newly renovated Hatfields restaurant, located in the Mountainlair, will host a buffet-style dinner starting at 6 p.m. for those families that purchased tickets. The menu will feature a western theme and include barbecue beef brisket, mesquite rubbed chicken breast, cowboy beans, corn and more. Mountaineer Idol Kasey Hott and Faculty/Staff Idol Becky Miller will provide entertainment and perform during the dinner.
Finally, families are invited to experience the nationally acclaimed WVUp All Night program from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Mountainlair. Events include bowling, billiards and other activities.
WVU families can also take advantage of activities at the Evansdale Campus Student Recreation Center. Families will be invited to explore and utilize the Rec Center all weekend with free access and special activities. On Friday evening, the Rec Center will offer free chair massages from 5-9 p.m., aTry Scubaactivity from 6-9 p.m., plus all visitors are welcome to participate in any group exercise class.
Saturday festivities include a family friendly tailgate and Mountaineer football game at the stadium.
Prior to game time, families that ordered tickets may attend the Mountaineer Family Tailgate at 1:30 p.m. in Tent City III in the light blue lot at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Many families will then head into the stadium to watch the Mountaineers play the Western Michigan University Broncos.The Pride of West VirginiaMountaineer Marching Band will perform approximately 30 minutes before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff and during halftime with a special tribute show.
The Mountaineer Parents Club will also recognize the outstanding in-state and out-of-state clubs during a special halftime presentation. The Monongalia County chapter will receive special recognition as the Outstanding In-State club and the York-Adams Area Pennsylvania chapter will be recognized as the Outstanding Out-of-State club during the program.
On Sunday morning, families and students are encouraged to participate in the Heart Walk starting at 10 a.m. The 5Kwalk will begin at Hazel Ruby McQuain Waterfront Park and follow the rail-trail path past Mountaineer Heritage Park.
The event is sponsored by the WVU Student Government Association, and all proceeds will benefit the Student Memorial Scholarship. Participants will receive a T-shirt and pedometer. The cost for the walk is $20 (free for WVU students).
For more information on Family Weekend, visit:http://familyweekend.wvu.edu/