Calling All Mason Families, This One’s for You: Family Weekend Oct. 12–14

October 8, 2012

By Robin Herron


If it’s fall, that means it’s time for Family Weekend. Creative Services photo

Here’s the good news: if you missed the deadline for Family Weekend online registration, you can still register on site beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. And more good news: there are still slots open for lots of exciting events. But plan to get there early.

According to Kaitlin Oyler, assistant director for the Office of Orientation, Family Programs and Services, about 2,000 participants are expected, a record attendance for Family Weekend. That’s good news, too. Oyler says, “There’s plenty going on, so we definitely encourage everyone to come out and participate.”

Family Weekend is one of the most exciting fall programs at Mason. It’s a university-wide celebration of families, not only our students’ families but also those of faculty and staff. Events are planned for every age group.

A few highlights of activities for each day follow.

Friday, Oct. 12

  • Check-in at the Johnson Center Dewberry Hall lobby, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Taste of Fairfax, offering a sampling from area restaurants, also in the Dewberry Hall lobby, from noon to 2 p.m.
  • Pre-Mason Madness celebration at the Patriot Center, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 13

  • Community service opportunity with three different projects, Johnson Center Dewberry Hall, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Mason family book presentation with Zach Wahls, author of “My Two Moms” (Participants receive a free copy of the book), Johnson Center Cinema, 2 p.m.
  • Fun Zone for younger siblings, Johnson Center Bistro, 2-5 p.m.
  • Mason Family BBQ and Game Show, Johnson Center Atrium, 5 p.m.
  • The Daily Show Live: “Indecision Tour 2012” (tickets must be purchased separately through the Center for the Arts), Concert Hall, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 14

  • 5K Run/Walk around the Fairfax Campus, Mason Pond Drive near the Center for the Arts, 7 a.m. Your registration fee of $20 includes official timing, snacks and a T-shirt.

For details on these and many other planned events, see the Office of Orientation, Family Programs and Services website.