Family Weekend 2014 will take place Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 19. Not every weekend does a fish-fry happen, tailgating party take place or Chinese acrobats come to perform. The Northern Michigan University Bookstore will be having special sales in efforts of the weekend-long festivities.
Family Weekend is put on by the Center for Student Enrichment (CSE). Senior and elementary education major Olivia Steil has been working for the CSE for the past two years and is sharing the lead coordinator role for the weekend-long events, with senior public relations major and Northern Arts and Entertainment (NAE) president Jordan Paquet.
“There is a lot happening in such a short period of time,” Steil said. “We are just trying to get people pumped up before the football game against Wayne State.”
According to NMU’s Family Weekend page, a family weekend information event will kick off the weekend from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the University Center Atrium. Information of local attractions, tickets and updates on the weekend-long events will be provided.
Continuing through Friday: 4 p.m., at the Soccer Field behind the Superior Dome, NMU’s Women Soccer is hosting Tiffin University in conference play. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Marketplace is hosting the Upper Peninsula All-You-Can-Eat-Fish-Fry. The event not only offers a fish fry, but music as well. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Students may use his/her meal plan, along with the option to use guest meals.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, a number of events will be taking place. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Vandament Arena (PEIF), join the Wildcat Marching band, President Fritz Erikson, the Dean of Students Christine Greer and others. Tickets for the tailgate party must be purchased in advanced.
Following the tailgate party on Saturday, Oct.19, at 1 p.m., the NMU Wildcat Football team hosts Wayne State Warriors for GLIAC conference play. 
Don’t go too far after the game! Come 8 p.m., at the Berry Events Center, NAE is presenting Chinese Acrobats of Hebei. The price is $10 for high school students and college students and $15 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased through the NMU Ticket Office.
Senior public relations major and NAE social media chairperson Chris Salgot said performances include Diablo, Martial Arts, Bungee, Contortionist, Plate Balancing and Chair Stacking. The ages of the acrobats range from 19-25 years old.
“The show combines outstanding performances, authentic Chinese props, stunning costumes, beautiful music soundtrack and Chinese traditions,” Salgot said. “With family weekend, Northern Arts and Entertainment wanted to choose an act that visiting families could feel comfortable bringing their children and families to.”
Jordan Paquet said that the group wanted a family event that would appeal to all.
“We wanted to plan a unique cultural experience for students and their families to offer a program they’ve never seen before,” Paquet said. “We wanted a family friendly event that students and families, locals and traveling, can enjoy.”
NAE has brought Golden Acrobats twice since it was founded in 1989. Salgot said both shows sold out.
Wrapping up the weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, a Family Weekend Brunch will be held at the Marketplace; the same purchase method for the fish fry applies to the brunch.
Come 12 p.m., the NMU Women’s Soccer will play their second conference game of the weekend, hosting the University of Findlay Oilers.
“A lot of our hard work goes into it [family weekend] so take advantage of it,” Steil said. “Hopefully the weather is nice so we get a last chance at seeing all of the fall colors. Everyone should just get involved with all the events and things taking place this weekend.”
Want more information? Visit Northern Michigan University’s Family Weekend page, online at www.nmu.edu/organizations.
