Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the NIU Parents’ Association, Family Weekend kicked off Friday with Cosmic Bowling and Casino Night at the Holmes Student Center. The annual event allows families to occupy campus and experience the different activities their children and siblings participate in.

“I got to show my family a little of what campus life is like,” said Beth Binotti, a freshman undecided liberal arts and sciences major. “I let them see what their kid is up to and participate with us at school.”

The weekend allows families to understand the NIU experience.

“Family Weekend gave our families the opportunity to interact with us on campus and get a sampling of our everyday life,” sophomore English major Carletha Whitfield said.

Saturday was host to Huskie football against Marshall University. Before the game, students and family members were able to partake in the Huskie football tradition of tailgating. After the game, families flocked to either the Porkchop Chowdown or to the Papa John’s pizza dinner.

Rounding off the night was the feature movie “Shrek.” Some families, instead of attending the movie, proceeded to the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom, where Comedy Sportz, an improvisational comedy show, performed.

Families also caught a glimpse of NIU’s academic side through various open houses held throughout the weekend. They could tour facilities, talk with departmental staff and enjoy small receptions held at the different open houses.

Before leaving Sunday, guests feasted on pancakes and other breakfast foods as they said goodbye to their loved ones and left behind another Family Weekend.

“It gives our families a small dose of what we go through every day,” said Phil Irvine, a freshman undecided liberal arts and sciences major.