Despite the rain and chilly weather, families and students continued to flock to the Grand Valley State University Allendale and Pew campuses for the annual Family Weekend last weekend.

Every event requiring an additional ticket this year was sold out, and many of the same events and activities were available this past weekend, in addition to a few new ones.

The university celebrated its 50th birthday mark by hosting the “50 Years of Food and Fashion” show and lunch on Saturday afternoon.

“We used popular clothing and served popular food from the last 50 years,” said LeaAnn Tibbe, Assistant Director for Special Events and Promotions in the Office of Student Life.

Executive chef Paul Mixa created the through-the-decades food while the student organizations GVSU Fashion Club and His House both took to the runway.

Tibbe also focused on the Taste of West Michigan, Pancakes with Presidents, the 5k run, Kirkhof Center Activities and ArtPrize Surprise.

Taste of West Michigan showcased over 20 venues, including restaurants from Allendale and Grand Rapids. This event cost attendees an additional $10 but allowed families to taste treats from all kinds of local eating locations.

ArtPrize Surprise attendees were able to steal a peek of the art that will show downtown during ArtPrize, which does not begin until Wednesday.

Some of the artists joined the families for lunch to introduce themselves.

“The families who attended the luncheons on the Pew campus were also surprised by a personal tour of the Gerald R. Ford Museum,” Tibbe said.

GVSU student organization members volunteered during the Kirkhof Center activities and promoted their various groups. Some activities included a coin toss, a rubber duck prize and numerous snack stations. All activities and food were provided for free.

“The student support was such a huge part of Family Weekend’s success,” said Heather Zeoli, a GVSU parent and Family Program Manager. “We’re so grateful for how many students get involved and show off their clubs.”

Zeoli, as the staff liaison with the family association advisory committee, also focused during planning on identifying interesting activities and ideas for parents. One of the new ideas correlates with the marketing of the college’s Grand theme by creating stickers with the phrases “I am part of the Grand Family” or “I am a Grand Grandparent.” Families or individuals spotted with a sticker received a 100 Grand candy bar.

“Parents had the privilege to see what college means and offers today and how highly sought-after Grand Valley degrees are becoming,” Zeoli said. “I think a lot of people want to support our college and help us make it through the next 50 years just as successfully.”

Families also had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the GVSU theatre department’s costume shop and watch an exclusive preview of the Shakespeare Festival, as well as the chance to see the football team’s 38-31 victory over the University of Indianapolis Saturday.

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