Family and Friends to find karate, livestock

By Amanda Bouley

Posted on Sept. 27, 2001, at 12:00 a.m.

What do most first-year University of Maine students picture when they hear the words, “Family and Friends Weekend”? More than likely, it’s Dad, Mom and little brother Timmy sitting in a line on the dorm beds and asking thought-provoking questions, like “How are classes going?” and “Are you eating well?”

However, for those students with a few years under their belts (or thongs), Family and Friends Weekend is always jam-packed with fun and exciting events, shows and demonstrations.

On Friday, Sept. 28, a caricaturist will be painting portraits at the Memorial Union from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. After a smorgasbord of eats in the dining commons, parents and students can catch the Planetarium show in Wingate Hall at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the main event of the weekend, the Student Organization Fair, opens at 10 a.m. on the mall.

According to Sherri Cousins, the Student Organization Fair has been a tradition during the 22 years of the Family and Friends Weekend. Cousins is the director for Organization and Leadership Development, a co-organizer for the event, along with Alpha Phi Omega and Sigma Phi Epsilon.

“The fall is a gorgeous time to be here at the University of Maine,” Cousins said. “This weekend is a time of celebration and to be together. The fair serves a dual purpose, it creates interest in students and shows parents what is offered.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, 65 organizations planned to be involved in the fair, according to Cousins. Most organizations will have traditional information booths, but attendees should keep an eye out for a Velcro-wall, a bouncing house and a chance to pet ponies and calves.

What spells fun more than livestock on the mall?

The University Bookstore will put on a fashion show beginning at 11:30 a.m.

And for an adrenaline rush, thrill-seeking attendees can check out demonstrations by the Blade Society and the Shotokan Karate Club, said Cousins.

Members will be demonstrating forms from the beginner ranks to non-traditional forms, as well as weapon and throwing demonstrations, said Kim Bell, the president of the Shotokan Karate Club.

“The students that will be participating come from all different backgrounds,” Rachelle Smith, head instructor of the Shotokan Karate Club, said. “This demonstration will show other people what we’ve been working on and show other students what’s available as part of this club.”

Saturday continues with a 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. performance by Tap Dogs in Hutchins Concert Hall at the Maine Center for the Arts.

Finally, families can unwind with hypnotist Tom Deluca at 9 p.m. in Hauck Auditorium.

For a complete schedule of events, check out www.umaine.edu/familyandfriends.

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