The entire community is invited to a homecoming festival that promises fun for all.

Grab your kids, your friends and your neighbors; FallFest 2008 begins on Monday, Sept. 22 and culminates in an all-day event on Saturday, Sept. 27. This year, visitors will enjoy the fun and excitement of Spartan Village in UNCG's stunning new outdoor gathering space, Kaplan Commons.

Located on the west lawn of the Elliott University Center, Spartan Village will feature fun favorites such as games, tasty treats, a beer tent and the music of Big Bang Boom and Sleeping Booty. Other highlights are the return of the always-popular Children's Festival in the Residential Quad and a match-up between the men's soccer team and the Brown University Bears in Spartan Stadium.

With more than 12,000 UNCG alumni living in the Triad, FallFest attracts many Spartans for a visit back to campus. But FallFest is more than a UNCG event, says coordinator Allyson Larmore. It's a community event that appeals to people of all ages.

“FallFest is the largest annual event at UNCG and arguably one of the largest events in the Greensboro area,” says Larmore, assistant director for alumni relations. “There's something for everyone; whether you enjoy cheering your Spartan athletic teams to victory, watching your kids have a ball at the Children's Festival, or kicking back to your favorite band on the main stage while enjoying a locally-brewed beer and a hot dog.”

Although events continue all week long, Saturday is the date to remember. It's a day jam-packed with activities for children, teens and adults. Events are free unless otherwise specified. The festivities include:

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Residential Quad, Children's Festival and Health Celebration. More than 50 educational opportunities, arts, crafts, a petting zoo, covered wagon rides, magicians, music and dance. Also, health and safety materials and information about community resources for families. Sponsored by the UNCG School of Education and the N.C. Teaching Fellows.
• 1-7 p.m., EUC West Lawn, Spartan Village. Games, food, live entertainment. Inflatables, novelties, giveaways and music. Alumnus Chuck Folds and the Big Bang Boom children’s band will perform from 12-2 p.m. Food is served from 1-7 p.m. Sleeping Booty band takes the stage at 4 p.m. Snacks, $1-$6.
• 3 p.m. Parade of Chariots. Student organization floats, community group floats and more. Route begins at the intersection of West and Gray Drives and continues along West Drive.
• 6:15 p.m. EUC West Lawn, Pep Rally. UNCG cheerleaders, Spartan G's dancers, the university pep band and the coronation of FallFest King and Queen.
• 7 p.m. UNCG men's soccer vs. Brown University Bears. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and children. For tickets call (336) 334-3250 or log on to www.uncgspartans.com. Discounted ticket prices are available for alumni.

According to Larmore, FallFest is a great way for alumni to get reacquainted with UNCG and for community members to connect with a vibrant university right in their own backyard. “Come see what the commotion is all about; we promise it will be worth your time,” says Larmore.

FallFest will go on, rain or shine. For more information, contact Allyson Larmore at (336) 256-2013.

A full list of events is available at http://www.uncg.edu/ure/fallfest/map_biglist.html.

By Andrea Spencer, University Relations

Photography by Becky Kates, University Relations