NIU has many events planned to welcome incoming freshmen for the 2003-2004 school year.

The Huskie Bash in Central Park will mark the beginning of the festivities with music, food and activities.

Food Service Administrator Brian Smith said NIU Housing and Dining Services will be expecting 5,000 to 6,000 people.

The cost of the Huskie Bash is $10, which includes 10 food coupons. Food prices will range from one to six tickets.

Fifteen DeKalb restaurants will be serving food. Bagels, pizza, pitas, sandwiches, hot dogs and barbequed food are some of the items that will be available.

Michael Coakley, executive director of Student Housing and Dining Services, said the purpose of the Huskie Bash is to welcome the new students and expose them to the vendors.

There will also be a DJ and blow-up games.

On Friday, President John Peters will personally welcome new students during the new student convocation.

Friday Fest will be held in the Martin Luther King Commons after the new student convocation. Freshman and transfer students will have the opportunity to meet with campus organizations.

“It’s a really good chance to meet other students and get to know what’s going on at Northern,” said Brooke Beyers, vice president of programming and activities for Campus Activities Board.

CAB will be recruiting new members for the fall semester. CAB also will have giveaways and raffle tickets to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.

On Saturday and Sunday, CAB will host its movie marathon. “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” will be shown respectively on both days.

CAB’s Fun Fair will be Saturday. During that event, students will be able to make their own sand art.

Also, gel-scented air fresheners and dog tags will be given away.

“There will be a photograher to take pictures of students in a big chair,” Beyers said.

The pictures will be free.