By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 9-6-07
GREENSBORO, NC-- When autumn leaves begin to fall, UNCG turns up the heat with FallFest.
This year’s festival runs Sept. 24-Oct. 5, culminating with the university’s Founders Day celebration Friday, Oct. 5. Students will sign a four-foot-tall card wishing UNCG a happy 116th. Everyone will enjoy birthday cake marking the occasion.
But FallFest is much more than a UNCG event, stresses coordinator Jodee Ruppel; it’s a community event. Alumni — more than 12,000 of whom live in the Triad — and the general public are invited to the party.
“It’s the biggest party of the year at UNCG. This is a big deal for this university and this community,” says Ruppel, assistant director for alumni relations. “Don’t worry if you’re not connected to UNCG. And if you are, we want you to be proud and to come back. Not only are we bringing people to this city, but we’re also turning out young professionals. So why not come celebrate?”
Saturday, Sept. 29, is the date to remember — a day jam-packed with activities that will appeal to children, teens and adults. Festivities that day, all free unless otherwise specified, include:
o 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Residential Quad, Children’s Festival and Health Celebration. Arts, crafts, a petting zoo, covered wagon rides, magicians, music and dance. 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.
o 1 p.m., Elliott University Center Auditorium, Margaret Maron Reading. The acclaimed mystery writer, who attended Woman’s College, will read from her work. She created the best-selling series of novels featuring Judge Deborah Knott. Sponsored by the University Libraries and the Department of Library and Information Studies.
o 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 1-2 p.m. Tailgate party begins at 4 p.m. The Breakfast Club, an 80s tribute band, will perform 4-6 p.m. Snacks, $1-$6.
o 2 p.m. Parade of Chariots, Route TBA. Student organization floats, community group floats and more. Alumni awards at 3:15 p.m.
o 6:15 p.m., EUC West Lawn, Pep Rally. UNCG cheerleaders, Spartan G’s and the university pep band.
o 7 p.m., UNCG Men’s Soccer vs. Akron Zips. Tickets $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and children. For tickets call (336) 334-3250 or log on to www.uncgspartans.com.
Spartan Village attendance skyrocketed between 2005 and 2006, jumping from about 500 to about 4,000 visitors, and Ruppel wants to break that record this year.
“Where else can you get a hot dog for a buck? A Pepsi for a buck?” she asks. “If you can’t have fun here, you can’t have fun!”
FallFest will go on rain or shine. For more information, contact Jodee Ruppel at (336) 256-2013 or jrruppel@uncg.edu. For a full list of events visit http://www.uncg.edu/ure/fallfest/map_biglist.html.
