September 2008

Get this party started — rain or shine

Grab your kids, your friends and your neighbors — FallFest 2008 culminates in an all-day event this Saturday, Sept. 27.

This year, visitors will enjoy the fun and excitement of Spartan Village in UNCG's stunning new outdoor gathering space, Kaplan Commons.

Located on the west lawn of the Elliott University Center, Spartan Village will feature fun favorites such as games, tasty treats, a beer tent and the music of Big Bang Boom and Sleeping Booty. Other highlights are the return of the always-popular Children's Festival in the Residential Quad and a match-up between the men's soccer team and the Brown University Bears in Spartan Stadium.

“FallFest is the largest annual event at UNCG and arguably one of the largest events in the Greensboro area,” says Allyson Larmore, assistant director for alumni relations and coordinator of the event. “There's something for everyone; whether you enjoy cheering your Spartan athletic teams to victory, watching your kids have a ball at the Children's Festival, or kicking back to your favorite band on the main stage while enjoying a locally-brewed beer and a hot dog.”

Although events continue all week long, Saturday is the date to remember. It's a day jam-packed with activities for children, teens and adults. Events are free unless otherwise specified. The festivities include:

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., EUC West Lawn, Spartan Village. Children's Festival & Health Celebration. More than 50 educational opportunities, including games, inflatables, music, dancing, cheering, arts and crafts Also, health and safety materials and information about community resources for families. Sponsored by the UNCG School of Education and the N.C. Teaching Fellows.
• 1-7 p.m., EUC West Lawn, Spartan Village. Games, food, live entertainment. Inflatables, novelties, giveaways and music. Alumnus Chuck Folds and the Big Bang Boom children's band will perform from 12-2 p.m. Food is served from 1-7 p.m. Sleeping Booty band takes the stage at 4:30 p.m. Snacks, $1-$6.
• 3 p.m. Parade of Chariots. Student organization floats, community group floats and more. Route begins at the intersection of West and Gray Drives and continues along West Drive.
• 4:30 p.m. EUC West Lawn, Sleeping Booty. A 10 piece band that plays dance music from the '70s, '80s and '90s with dynamic interactive choreographed showmanship.
• 6:15 p.m. EUC West Lawn, Pep Rally. UNCG cheerleaders, Spartan G's dancers, the university pep band and the coronation of FallFest King and Queen.
• 7 p.m. UNCG men's soccer vs. Brown University Bears. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and children. For tickets call (336) 334-3250 or log on to www.uncgspartans.com. Discounted ticket prices are available for alumni.

FallFest will go on, rain or shine. For more information, contact Allyson Larmore at (336) 256-2013.

A full list of events is available at www.uncg.edu/ure/fallfest/map_biglist.html.