The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present Homecoming 2017: Friends and Family Weekend on Thursday to Monday, Oct. 5-9, featuring entertainment and family-friendly activities. From a show by percussive performance group Plastic Musik to an explosive fireworks display to multiple alumni games for students and the public, all are invited to join the University for its annual Homecoming weekend.
Festivities kick off on Thursday, Oct. 5 with the Athletics Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through the Athletics Department or at the door for $7.50. That evening, a Homecoming Dance will be held for students from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., DJ’d by WUPI in the MPR.
Activities continue on Friday, Oct. 6 with an Alumni Coffee Hour for students in the Owl’s Nest from 10 to 11 a.m. This coffee hour is presented by the UMPI Alumni Association. The day continues with a Walk to the Presque Isle Farmer’s Market, starting at Gentile Hall and going to the Riverfront Pavilion from 12 to 2 p.m. Coloring for All Ages, an activity sponsored by the UMPI President’s Office, runs from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest.
Friends and family should check in for the weekend in the Campus Center from 4 to 7 p.m. All are invited to celebrate the Campus Center as it turns 25 in the MPR at 4 p.m. and stay for Oktoberfest & Pints with Professors on the Campus Center Lawn and Owl’s Nest from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m.; cost is $9 for those without a meal plan and a cash bar will be available (proper ID required). Explore the latest show at the Reed Art Gallery, UnREEDable Words by Todd Camplin, during a gallery reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
Don’t miss the Main Event during this year’s Homecoming Weekend–percussive performance group Plastic Musik at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium at Wieden Hall. As featured on Season 3 of America’s Got Talent, Plastic Musik will present a night of exhilarating music in a way you’ve never heard it before–with plastic boomwhackers, buckets, and kiddie pools. The group performs everything from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony to Poker Face to the Super Mario Brothers theme–to see examples of how they put a plastic twist on these songs, check out the videos on their website, www.plasticmusik.com.
Continue the weekend on Saturday, Oct. 7 with the Second Annual UMPI Alumni Hour in the MPR, presented by the UMPI Alumni Association and Office of University Advancement. This event will begin at 10 a.m. with the “State of the University” address by President Ray Rice. Then, have a blast with the Block Party taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tennis Court Parking Lot, or Gentile Hall if it rains. The party includes music by Heath Bartley and Travis Cyr, a beer tent, food and community vendors, as well as a car show in the Center for Innovative Learning Parking Lot. At 12 p.m., support the Owls Women’s Soccer team as they take on Unity College at the Park Family Field and continue your support with the Men’s Soccer team as they battle Unity College at 2 p.m.
Relax and enjoy a Wine Tasting at the President’s House from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (proper ID required). Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for students under the age of 21. Honor past coaches and athletes at the Athletics’ Hall of Fame Dinner in the MPR from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you wish to attend contact sandra.mcdougal@maine.edu; cost is $20.
The evening ends with a bang, complete with fireworks, a bonfire, movie, and games. Enjoy one of the region’s biggest fireworks displays at 8 p.m. on the Park Family Field. Then head over to the Bonfire with S’mores behind Gentile Hall at 8:15 p.m. Have a night out with a Movie Under the Stars when Cary Medical Center presents Wonder Woman in Gentile Hall at 8:30 p.m. Students can compete in Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag at 9 p.m. behind Gentile Hall.
The festivities continue on Sunday, Oct. 8. Hop aboard Molly the Trolley for a 1-hour ride/tour—two time slots are available between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Each ride is $5 per person and leaves from the Tennis Court Parking Lot. Sign up at www.umpi.edu/trolley. Also beginning at 10 a.m. is the Men’s Alumni Soccer Game at the Park Family Field. For baseball lovers, meet up at the Presque Isle Middle School field for the Alumni Baseball Game at 10 a.m. All runners should make plans to take part in the UMPI Alumni and All-Comers XC 5K at the Park Family Field at 11 a.m. Women’s soccer battles SUNY Canton at 12 p.m. on the Park Family Field. Parents and students meet at the Park Family Field at 2 p.m. for the Parent-Student Disc Golf Tournament. Participants will be entered for a chance to win one free class.
Parents, family, and friends are encouraged to finish off this busy weekend on Monday, Oct. 9 with a Bagel Breakfast Send-Off from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Owl’s Nest.
If you plan to attend Homecoming 2017, register at www.umpi.edu/homecoming. For more information contact Lisa Pucci at lisa.pucci@maine.edu or 207-768-9525.