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SIUC Family Weekend kicks off today

BY ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN

Thursday, September 25, 2008 10:47 PM CDT

CARBONDALE - When Don Castle describes the tradition of Family Weekend at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he emphasizes the family.

From tailgating to breakfasts and from movie showings to craft shows, various community and organizations sponsor events to welcome mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, grandparents and siblings to campus for one weekend each year.

"It's like, here are a lot of things you can do, but if you just spend time together, that's what really matters," said Castle, assistant director of SIUC's Student Center. This year's 2008 Family Weekend kicks off today and has events lasting until Sunday.

With a major rivalry showdown between SIU and the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday and a clear weather forecast, Castle's anticipating a great weekend for families to explore the community.

For some relatives, Family Weekend also represents a homecoming of sorts.

"Some of the families are alumni so that's kind of fun when they get back and visit their old hangouts," since Meredith Rhodes, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber also co-sponsors a tailgating event aimed at family-oriented activities with Carbondale Main Street, SIUC and Murdale True Value, she said. Last year, the inaugural event attracted 1,400 visitors, and organizers anticipate similar success this year.

Businesses in Carbondale also benefit from the influx of visitors, Rhodes said. The total reach of economic impact, however, extends far beyond Jackson County.

Hotels in Jackson and Williamson counties, as well as ones extending as far north up Interstate 57, fill to maximum capacity during the weekend, said Debbie Moore, executive director of the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau.

"From that standpoint, you're looking at about 3,500 hotel rooms filled with people coming in for the event," she said.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

351-5031

Family Time

Today:

7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free access to the SIUC Student Recreation Center for family members of SIUC students

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Craft sale on the first floor of the SIUC Student Center

Noon to 6 p.m. Free boat rides on Campus Lake

7 and 9:30 p.m. Showings of "Get Smart" in the Student Center Auditorium

8 to 11 p.m. Noche de Gala salsa dancing and music in the Student Center ballrooms

Saturday:

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free access to the SIUC Student Recreation Center for family members of SIUC students

10 a.m. to Noon Saluki Family Association brunch in the Student Center ballrooms; tickets can be purchased at the door for $13 for adults, $12 for students and $7 for children

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campus tours depart each hour, on the hour from the east side of the Student Center

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raku ceramic firing at the Student Center craft shop

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Craft sale on the first floor of the SIUC Student Center

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residential hall dining at Lentz and Trueblood dining halls; all-you-can-eat buffet for $7.99

Noon to 6 p.m. Free boat rides on Campus Lake

1 to 2:30 p.m. Greek Sing competition on the steps of Shryock Auditorium

3 p.m. Saluki Family Tailgate outside of McAndrew Stadium

6 p.m. SIU vs. University of Northern Iowa football game at McAndrew Stadium

7 and 9:30 p.m. Showings of "Get Smart" in the Student Center Auditorium

Sunday:

10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Free access to the SIUC Student Recreation Center for family members of SIUC students

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Autumn Harvest Brunch in the Student Center ballrooms; tickets can be purchased at the door for $13 for adults, $12 for students and $8 for children