The Holmes Student Center Bookstore welcomes parents to NIU with more than just the usual books, supplies and sports paraphernalia.

Drawings and giveaways will add a special touch to the HSC Bookstore this Parents’ Weekend. The bookstore will hand out free carnations to the first 200 parents to make purchases and also is giving away a football autographed by the NIU Huskie football team. The winner will be drawn when the store closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Assistant manager, Nora Beck said the bookstore wanted to try something different this year, adding that in the past, it has offered a 20 percent discount on Parents’ Weekend.

However, the bookstore recently has come under new management and wants to try something unique. Beck said giving away the autographed football is a way of promoting school spirit. Beck added this promotion is an “extremely” good idea because the Huskies are doing well and are generating increased enthusiasm around campus.

Beck says this increased interest in NIU’s athletic teams and school spirit leads to a greater demand for NIU sportswear and paraphernalia. This is especially true during Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend, the bookstore’s two busiest retail weekends. Beck said the bookstore is very well prepared this year and are expecting a successful weekend.

The bookstore is extending its hours on Saturday and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to better accommodate the increased number of parents and students.