Kristy Eriksson, parent of Elon freshman Sara Morrison, said after driving from Baltimore to campus last night through tropical storm conditions, she was excited for the beginning of Family Weekend events this morning.
During Phoenix Fan Fest, Eriksson and many other families spent time together, before the football game began at 2 p.m., in the Schar Center concourse with food, a caricaturist, music, corn hole and photo booths.
Katie Kuczkowski ’07, assistant director of regional alumni engagement, said even with the added struggle of adjusting the location for catering and getting people to a new location, it still felt like a regular Elon event because of the energy of Phoenix Fest.
“This is just a family tailgate before the football game,” Kuczkowski said. “Giving people a place to gather and celebrate Elon and just a really festive atmosphere for the game.”
Eriksson said after a disappointing first day to Family Weekend, her family was excited to attend more events Oct. 1 after the Phoenix Fest, including the football game and a cappella shows.
“It didn't change what we did, it just made it a lot harder to get down here,” Eriksson said. “It's a little disappointing that some of the things that we were going to do are canceled, but the biggest thing for us is to just come down and see our daughter.”
Mike Glemser, another Elon parent, said though this year’s Family Weekend is different from the year before,his family was enjoying the time on campus so far and making the best of a new situation.
“We were here last year, jam packed outside,” Glemser said. “But they did a great job moving it in here and still providing the same good atmosphere.”