OSU NEWS from News and Communication Services

OSU moves annual Dad's Weekend to November

10-29-99

By Stephen Swanson, 541-737-0789
SOURCE: Machelle Kennedy, 541-737-6872

CORVALLIS - Oregon State University popular Dad's Weekend celebration is being held Nov. 5-7 this school year - three months earlier than in previous years.

A number of factors were considered in making the change, said Machelle Kennedy, coordinator for OSU's Memorial Union Program Council, which sponsors the event.

Traditionally, more than 3,000 fathers of OSU students arrive for the three-day weekend of shows, exhibits and activities, many of which are free and open to the public.

"We thought the weather might be better in early November than in February," Kennedy said, "and a number of people expressed interest in holding Dad's Weekend during football season, so there would be a chance to see a game."

Also, last year OSU revived it's winter celebration of Sibling's Weekend, an event in which students invite brothers and sisters to campus.

"Because we now have Sibling's Weekend, moving Dad's Weekend to November just spreads events out a little better for us," Kennedy said.

This year, Dad's Weekend features more than 30 activities, including car and model airplane shows, tours and a football tailgater.

Activities begin on Friday, Nov. 5, when students are encouraged to take their fathers to classes or to OSU's Dixon Recreation Center, where dads will have free access to swimming, basketball courts, weight machines and a variety of other fitness activities. Friday evening offers a choice between a comedy show, an OSU basketball game and screenings of the 1999 science-fiction film, "The Matrix."

Featured events on Saturday include the OSU football game, a barbecue and a ballroom dance. The entire schedule follows: