1Spotlight Productions invites students and faculty to bring siblings and children to Sibs and Kids Weekend, which begins Friday. Friday and Saturday events will take place in Kirkhof Center and the Turf Building.

Registration for the event is $20 for the first guest and $15 for every guest after.

“In the past, the most popular events have been the magician and the giant inflatables. They tailor to a wide range of ages, and the audience gets to interact with the magic show,” said Zac VanOdsol, director of Sibs and Kids Weekend.

VanOsdol, who attended the event last year, said he had a good time seeing the kids interact with their older siblings.

“Not only does it promote GVSU as a school community, but it also keeps up with family relations in a fun way,” he added.

Magician Norman Ng will perform at 9 p.m. on Friday in the Grand River Room of Kirkhof Center, and the inflatables will be in the Turf Building from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Sophomore Megan Flynn said Sibs and Kids is the reason she has an opportunity to see her family.

“I went last year with my younger sister,” she said. “We had lots of fun with the giant inflatables because there were competitions and races through the obstacle courses. It was a great bonding experience and it was a fun reason for her to visit.”

The activities scheduled in the Kirkhof Center lobby appeal to the younger generation, and the event producers expect large crowd on Friday and Saturday.

“I feel that the activities held in Kirkhof throughout the weekend will be the most popular,” said Jen Possanza, a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, one of the many student organizations helping with the weekend. “It gives the children a variety of things to do throughout the day. I also think that the hockey game will be a success because it gives the children a feel for what it is like to go to a college sporting event.”

Events in Kirkof include games, crafts and food. Additional activities will take place on other floors of the building.

However, the weekend has activities not only for the young. College-aged sibs and kids also can enjoy the weekend activities.

“It’s not only fun for the kids, but the students have a great time with it too,” VanOsdol said.

This year, laser tag is a new event expected to attract a large crowd of all ages.

An estimated 400 volunteers from 35 student organizations will help run various activities throughout the weekend.

VanOsdol said that Spotlight Productions is using more student organizations to show the kids and families the unity within the campus community.

“We expect the weekend to be very successful and run smoothly in promoting the school and having fun things to do for students and families alike,” VanOsdol said.

A schedule of events, pre-registration and additional information about Sibs and Kids Weekend can be found at www.gvsu.edu/sibsnkids/.

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