This year’s family weekend is bound to be a whimsical, fun-packed experience for students and their families to spend time together throughout the carnival-themed extravaganza from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24.

“This year, we’ve decided to do something a little different by having a carnival theme instead of the traditional casino theme, but we can’t take credit for this one… It was all Fred’s idea!” said Director of Student Life Nicole Dyer, referring to President Dr. Fred Finks.

On Friday, family members are encouraged to go to classes with their student. Lorie Diehm, Coordinator of Alumni Outreach Programs, clarified that any member of the family can accompany the student, even siblings.

“Siblings are absolutely allowed to attend classes and all family weekend events,” she said. “I’m thinking it would be a good learning experience actually. Of course, the student is asked to verify attendance of family with their professors.”

Afterward, a multitude of athletic events kicks off at 1 p.m., starting with AU volleyball playing against Northwood in Kates Gymnasium. Following the game is women’s soccer at 2 p.m., then men’s soccer at 4:30 p.m. Both teams are playing against Ohio Dominican at Ferguson Soccer Field.

Later in the evening, John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” will be performed in the Hugo Young Theater at 7:30 p.m. The play is directed by Ric Goodwin, who has been involved with over 40 plays on campus.

Senior Sean Smith plays leading character George, a rough yet loyal friend to simple-minded Lennie, who is played by sophomore Nate Sayatovich.

“Of Mice and Men” will be performed again Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Other events take place before Saturday’s show.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., families can meet in the Eagles’ Landing for the President’s Coffee, which is a social event providing families the chance to interact with faculty and Ashland Parents Association members.

The Director of Global Education, Rebecca Parillo, will have a table set up to help inform students and parents of the many benefits of studying abroad. Parillo stated she will be there to answer any questions or concerns.

The Center of Community Service will be represented at the President’s Coffee as well.

Rebecca Schaaf, Director of Community Service, stated the Center of Community Service will be helping out the Ashland County United Way for “Make a Difference Day” in order to assemble Caring Kits.

“These kits include basic toiletry products and have been collected from donations from a variety of sources,” Schaff said. “All of these caring kits will go to organizations in the community including the Domestic Violence Shelter, Associated Charities and the Salvation Army Kroc Center.”

Also throughout the morning, families can have their picture taken in the Student Center and made into a souvenir keychain, which is complementary.

For many family members, a highlight of the weekend is being able to take advantage of Convo’s award-winning dining services.

Fred Geib, General Manager of Student Dining, stated that family weekend parents eat for free compliments of Auxiliary Services.

Throughout the afternoon, families can either go to the football game at Jack Miller Stadium or the volleyball game at Kates Gymnasium. Both events are at 1.

The true focal point to the weekend’s festivities, however, is the reason family weekend is carnival-themed: Fred’s Marvelous Midway, which features all the fun-filled food and games one could hope for in a true carnival.

According to Geib, an array of carnival staple foods will be served, such as corn dogs, grilled Italian sausage sandwiches, caramel apples and funnel cakes.

Retro games, such as the Milk Can Toss and the Ring Toss, will keep families entertained throughout the evening.

Fred’s Marvelous MIdway will be held in the Alumni room in Upper Convo.

The conclusion of the weekend’s events is comprised of brunch at Convo, and women’s and men’s soccer at Ferguson’s Soccer Field in the afternoon on Sunday.

“I believe another successful family weekend is in order according to the number of tickets pre-sold,” Diehm said. “It’s a fun-filled weekend of activities for children of all ages!”

Dyer expressed similar sentiments, pointing out the variety of events taking place throughout the weekend.

“Family weekend is a great program and we have lots of families who enjoy coming here,” Dyer said. “There are a lot of great activities planned…from volleyball, soccer and football games, to the theatre production, President’s Coffee, Fred’s Marvelous Midway and Five Stones – there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!”