Westfield State University celebrated its annual Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 19-21 all across campus to welcome new students, families, and inspire school pride in all who partook. This year, WSU saw almost three times the average amount of families signing up to attend the event.
On Friday, students enjoyed poetry readings and a comedic magician, alongside concerts, dinners, and tournaments. Saturday was home to several sports matches, and to the heart of Family Weekend, the Harvest Fest.
From the Woodward Center to the campus green, students, families, and tour groups all had a chance to celebrate everything WSU has to offer. The weather was cool, but comfortable, with the sun occasionally shining to make the weather ideal for those walking around.
On the green, dozens of tables, tents, and stations had been set up for food samples, games, and products to be bought. Local businesses such as Wings Over Westfield, Circuit Coffee, and Northside Creamery offered samples for visitors to munch on as they enjoyed the day.
Many clubs offered fun activities to promote themselves, and to offer visitors a source of entertainment. Games ranged from knocking down stack milk bottles with a ball, to ring toss. Prizes included vuvuzelas, rings, candy and clappers. There was also a large inflatable obstacle course that students and their families could compete on.
On the campus green, WSU offered a mini petting zoo home to a wide variety of animals, from donkeys, cows, and goats, to rabbits and piglets. Visitors were given a chance to pet the animals, and in some cases, hold them on their laps.
Many vendors had set up booths and tents to sell their goods. Some of the products included handmade jewelry, decor, clothes and food. Many goods were seasonally inspired and made for fantastic gifts during the holiday season.
Unlike past years due to weather circumstances, the bulk of Family Weekend was held on the campus green rather than the Woodward Center gymnasium. This allowed visitors to appreciate the campus, as well as admire the fall weather and foliage. Despite a mild shower in the afternoon, the event mainly stayed dry.
Tours on campus had a chance to experience just one of the many events the campus hosts for its students throughout the year, a sure way to gain further interest in possible applicants. Those considering WSU as their future home had the opportunity to see campus at its liveliest.
The weekend concluded with a student movie night, and to student’s amazement, a rainbow that stretched across campus.
