Pumpkin Parade and other festivities set for Family Weekend

Festivities abound this weekend as Randolph College hosts its annual Family Weekend. Many students will welcome their parents and other friends and family members to campus for a weekend full of tradition and fun.

A highlight of the weekend is a favorite tradition, Pumpkin Parade. Throughout the week much crafting and decorating has been taking place as sophomores and seniors exchange small gifts, but the tradition will culminate over the weekend. On Friday at 3 p.m. sophomores will meet their seniors, pumpkin in hand, in front of Main Hall. This is the exciting moment when most seniors discover which sophomore has been leaving gifts for them all week. The finale occurs on Saturday evening as the seniors parade across campus with their carved pumpkins, sing with their sophomores, and enjoy an Even spirit-themed musical performance by Randolph College President Bradley W. Bateman and other members of senior staff.

While crafting this week, Stephanie Barron ’14 has discovered meaning to Pumpkin Parade that goes beyond the bonding between a sophomore and senior. “I’m realizing more and more that it isn’t just about me,” said Barron. “I’m preparing my ‘pass downs’ to give them away. Some of these things go back six generations of Randolph students, and this is me passing on not just my legacy, but their legacy as well.”

Pumpkin Parade, however, is not the only event on Family Weekend. Friday will feature an a capella concert by Songshine and Voices, followed by a Skeller Sing. On Saturday, students and families are welcome to attend a variety of events and sessions such a student research showcase, guided tours of the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College or the Organic Garden, and a musical department performance. After Pumpkin Parade on Saturday, the Winfree Observatory will host a Star Party for everyone.

Various athletic events will be held over the weekend as well. Friday, Women’s Volleyball will have a home game, starting at 7 p.m. in the Randolph Athletic and Dance Center. Saturday morning Randolph will serve as the finish line for the 40th annual Virginia 10 Miler. Also on Saturday, Randolph will host an Intercollegiate Horse Show at the Riding Center, which starts at 10:00 a.m. The women’s soccer will take on Emory & Henry College at 1 p.m. Saturday in WildCat Stadium, followed by the men's soccer team challenging Virginia Virginia Wesleyan College at 4:30 p.m.

Find the full Family Weekend schedule here.