Warhawk families get festive
Annual Family Fest event celebrates Warhawks
October 8, 2018
Hundreds of Warhawk families flooded campus Saturday for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s annual Family Fest. The day was an opportunity for the families of students and staff to experience the campus and enjoy festivities and football at UW-Whitewater.
The day featured the Warhawk Women’s Tennis Invitational, a kids Jr. Pom Pom Clinic, a Warhawk Volleyball Invitational, live music by the Eddie Butts Band, games and prizes at Willie’s Fun Zone, a WIAC football showdown between UW-W and UW-Oshkosh and showings of the hit sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”Julia Graff
Although the weather may not have gone as planned, the event was a success for families and students alike.
“I didn’t expect to be sitting in the rain but this is a great time either way,” Warhawk parent Jeff Bacon said. “It’s fun to get a little taste of the same environment our kids are living in all the time.”
Willie’s Fun Zone was a hit for the kids in attendance, giving photo opportunities with Willie himself, free throw contests against the Warhawk Wheelchair Basketball teams, a DJ and several other kid-friendly activities.
“My little sister never wanted to leave,” UW-W freshman Lauren Wallace said. “She loved it in there. All of the kids in there were having such a good time I’m glad there was a spot for kids to enjoy the day as much as the parents.”
In the culminating event of the day, Warhawk football defeated the visiting Titans by a score of 20-0, bumping the team’s record to 5-0 on the year.
The day was also an opportunity for students to show their parents around campus and give them a peek into the routines of their everyday life.
“I liked getting to show my parents the places I eat and hang out and have class,” UW-W freshman McKenzie Bacon said. “I think they are a little less worried about me now that they kind of know where I’m going.”
For the students and families braving the weather, the annual Family Fest was a success all around.
“I was glad my parents were able to come see me and spend some time on the campus,” UW-W student John Keller said. “I like that the University gives us a chance to make our families a part of our college experience.”