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Many alumni and undergraduate students are looking forward to this weekend’s homecoming celebration.
The University Alumni Association has planned activities that appeal to graduates and undergraduates alike. A craft fair and a football game versus the University of Richmond Saturday are expected to be the biggest draws of this weekend’s festivities, said Bob Potts, Alumni Association director of membership and marketing.
The craft fair, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, highlights Maine-made crafts.
“The craft fair is a great place to get an early start on holiday shopping, typically drawing close to 7,000 deal-seekers,” Potts said.
A wide range of crafts will be available, as well as more than 200 crafters displaying their work. The fair will be located in the Field House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Athletics Department has expanded the tailgating area before Saturday’s football match. The large parking lot behind the south end zone will be used for all tailgaters 21 and over. Tailgating will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until kickoff at 2 p.m.
The Black Bear men’s ice hockey team will play Saturday night at 7 p.m. as part of the annual blue and white game, marking the first time the team will take to the ice this fall.
Student Entertainment has enlisted the help of comedian and fashion critic Joan Rivers for this weekend’s festivities. Rivers will perform at the Maine Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Class of 1999 graduate Jen Upton said she is excited about River’s visit.
“I think Joan Rivers will be an absolute riot,” Upton said. “This seems like a much better homecoming weekend than we had when I was in school.”
That enthusiasm is exactly what Potts said he is looking for from UMaine students.
“Homecoming is for everyone,” he said. “Sure, the focus is on the alumni, but that doesn’t mean there is a red tape that students cannot cross. We always want students to come out for the events and get involved.”
Potts said typically about 10,000 alumni attend the football game, tailgate, shop and register for their class reunions. But most importantly, he said, they will meet up with old friends and see the school buzzing with college students the same way it did when they were here.
Homecoming weekend emphasizes alumni relations, but the undergraduates’ involvement can make this weekend one of the most exciting of this semester, Potts said.
