Colorful balloons marked the way through the Kirkhof Center, and the lobby filled with the smells of popcorn and sweets as sibs and kids laughed and sang along with live music.

Brothers, sisters and children of faculty, staff and students came to campus Friday and Saturday as part of Sibs and Kids Weekend, an event that invites young family members to campus to enjoy a wealth of child-friendly activities.

Members of Spotlight Productions, the student organization that coordinated the weekend, said the outcome of the 2011 Sibs and Kids Weekend was successful.

“We had a lot of fun and got to do things that we normally don’t do,” said junior Carly Rouke, Spotlight Productions ETC Community Chair. “Overall, it was successful. We heard a lot of positive things from the kids.”

Erika Noth, Spotlight Productions vice president of Records, said 800 to 900 guests had pre-registered for the weekend.

“People are really having a great time and enjoying it,” said Zac VanOsdol, Spotlight Productions director of Sibs and Kids Weekend.

Sibs and Kids Weekend began with excitement buzzing on the Allendale Campus Friday. Lines quickly stacked as students and faculty arrived with their siblings and children.

Freshman Jennifer Kuzara said Sibs and Kids Weekend lets younger people see the campus life.

“It has a lot of things that Grand Valley State University set up that the kids like,” said Kuzara.

Kirkhof Center offered many enticing opportunities for fun, including Henna tattoos, Create-a-Critter, a bounce house, Tasty Treats, crafts, karaoke, and tie-dye, among many others.

Create-a-Critter and tie-dyeing were the most popular events Friday because they catered to a variety of ages.

“Sibs and Kids Weekend is a great experience for (Jessica) and her sisters to get together,” said Roger Martin, father of freshman Jessica Martin. “They only get to see each other every few weeks.”

As Friday night continued, booths and tables for activities grew large lines. Volunteers and student organizations helped with the Sibs and Kids Weekend event by running games and helping with food and activities.

Student organization FACE AIDS volunteered with the spaghetti tower activity.

“It’s fun interacting with all of the kids,” said Valerie Stach, secretary of FACE AIDS.

For junior Heather Parros, who does promotions for FACE AIDS, the weekend was not just about volunteer work.

“As a kid, I came to Sibs and Kids Weekend with my older sister,” said Parros. “We had a blast, I definitely recommend it for other students. It’s fun for the kids to see what college life is about. It encourages them.”

The weekend event continued in the Turf Building Saturday, where energy levels were high. Parents lay exhausted in the bleachers or in the middle of the turf fields.

“The whole Weekend has been fun,” said junior Ashley Burk, who stood in line for caricatures with her 10-year-old sister, Paige Papsh. “It’s awesome to have my younger sister for the weekend. And it’s kid oriented. Even though the lines can be long, we still have a blast.”

Freshman Kelsey Rice plans on attending the event next year with her younger brother, Brett Rice, 11.

“I only get to see him every six or seven weeks, so this is a lot of fun,” Kelsey said. “It’s a nice way to hang out with him.”

The pair had watched a magic show in Kirkhof Center Friday, and the performance left an impression on Brett.

“The magician was so cool,” Brett said. “He made a bowling ball come out of a pad of paper.”

Activities in the Turf Building included giant inflatables and slides, caricatures, a sports workshop, Quidditch and snacks. The Recreation Center also opened its rock wall for open climbing.

“The rock climbing was really cool and busy,” said freshman Eric Maude. “But it’s a good way to spend time with my little sister, who I don’t get to see very much.”

Maude’s sister, 7, said she most enjoyed taking snapshots with her brother in the photo booth.

Sibs and Kids Weekend ended with a hockey game scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday so the registered students, faculty, siblings and kids could attend a college sporting event.

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