46th annual family event features mentalist, rock band Nine Days
Family members of Central Michigan University students will descend on campus en masse starting this Friday.
Hosted by CMU's Office of Student Life, SIBS Weekend takes over campus for the 46th time from Friday through Sunday. The event will host activities in hopes of bringing families together as students open up their college campus to family members.
"It gets me excited. It's just fun to see everybody get together," said Sandy Burkhardt, a St. Clair Shores senior and SIBS committee co-chair. "I am the youngest of the family, so I kind of live through them."
"For the past three years, no one from my family has come," Burkhardt said. "I think some of my cousins are coming this year, though."
Movies, rock climbing, a concert and a carnival are just a few of the events planned to keep the young at heart entertained. To Burkhardt, it is more about seeing families come together.
Though there are many events to attend, some, like the Saturday CMU men's basketball home game, will need a special ticket because of the limited space.
"There are some special events tickets that are given away on a first-come, first-serve basis," she said. "(But) If you don't get a special events ticket, it won't make or break your weekend."
When the event started in 1963, the weekend was small. Now the weekend is one of the largest and most expensive at CMU.
"It started out small," Burkhardt said about the weekend, which drew more than 6,000 people last year. "Now it's one of the longest standing events and traditions on campus."
Though there are many events covering the whole weekend there are some events that include special guests, like jugglers and the rock band Nine Days.
"One of our special events is called "Brothers From a Different Mother," said Sterling Heights senior and SIBS co-chair Carolyn Seppey, about the famous traveling comedy and juggling act. "Our closing event is Wayne Hoffman - he's a mentalist. He can look at students and tell them what's on their drivers license."
Students were encouraged to register by last Friday's registration deadline. Wristbands for $5 will be sold at Finch Fieldhouse during check in time from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday.
For a complete schedule of events, go to www.stulife.cmich.edu/programs/siblings.
studentlife@cm-life.com
