Family Weekend

SUNY Fredonia Family Weekend 2011

September 30 – October 2, 2011

A long-standing tradition at SUNY Fredonia, Family Weekend is an event sponsored by the Campus Life Office in conjunction with the Faculty Student Association and the Spectrum Entertainment Board. Each fall, the college community looks forward to meeting the parents and family members of our students, and offers a weekend of special meals, tours and performances for our very special guests.

Weekend Highlights

Friday, September 30

Begin the weekend in the Cranston Marché with a pre-show buffet featuring hot hors d’oeuvres, beef on 'weck, pizza, cheese platters and other light buffet items.

Later that evening, join us at the 1891 Opera House, in the Village of Fredonia, for an evening of a cappella music featuring the musical group, “Overboard.” Founded in the spring of 2006 by current director Nicholas Girard, Overboard is a male a cappella group from Boston, Mass. Although Overboard's repertoire consists primarily of contemporary pop/rock songs, including covers from such artists as Rascall Flatts, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, the group remains true to its a cappella roots and continues to perform classic selections such as "Blue Moon," "In The Still of the Night" and "Stand By Me."  The evening will also feature several of SUNY Fredonia finest a cappella groups.

Saturday, October 1

Throughout the day various activities will be available on and off campus for families of all ages. Fall is a fabulous time in Fredonia and Chautauqua County. Our most popular weekend events highlight the best this season has to offer. Enjoy a scenic drive off the beaten path to Liberty Vineyards & Winery and Merritt Estate Winery for a tour and tasting. Families can also spend the day exploring the Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market where local artisans, crafters and farmers display their wares and homemade specialties in Westfield, NY.

Other fun opportunities on campus include watching a SUNY Fredonia women's varsity soccer match, enjoying the Performing Arts Company's performance of "Don Juan in Chicago" in Bartlett Theatre, or the beautiful music of the Fredonia Wind Ensemble in King Concert Hall.

New to our Family Weekend schedule is a tour of the Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz Museum.  Since 1996, Lucille Ball's hometown has welcomed visitors from all over the world to the Lucy-Desi Museum in the heart of downtown Jamestown, New York. Inside its doors you'll find a warm salute to the First Couple of Comedy! Here you'll see priceless costumes, awards, photographs, and other vintage memorabilia on display from the estates of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Exhibits change periodically to guarantee a new and exciting experience for the repeat visitor. With a push of a button you can hear audio clips from Desi's autobiography as well as stories of their youthful antics told by Lucy's childhood pals. A unique radio plays clips both from Lucy's 1940's radio series, My Favorite Husband, and some of Desi's famous Latin songs.  In the museum's screening area you'll enjoy interviews with some of Lucy's childhood friends and other rare video. You can also engage with interactive Lucy-Desi trivia and Lucy and Desi's personal family scrapbooks!  A tour you do not want to miss!  

Sunday, October 2

Before you say goodbye, join your student for breakfast in the Cranston Marche. Our Travelers’ breakfast will include a wide range of breakfast items served buffet style.

Weekend Schedule of Events   (Times and events subject to change)

Friday, September 30, 2011

Helpful Websites

The following websites will share detailed information about the events taking place on campus and in the community during Family Weekend.

Important Information

• Registration forms may be mailed or faxed to the Campus Life Office by September 26, 2011.
• Student tickets must be reserved on the order form. All shows are reserved seating.
• No advanced mailing of tickets. Tickets may be picked up during registration times in the University Commons Lobby or the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office.
• Show tickets cannot be guaranteed if ordered after the September 26, 2011 deadline date.
• All meals are served buffet style.
• Information about the local area, including wineries, shopping, restaurants, and other local events will be available at the registration table in the University Commons Lobby.
• If you have further questions regarding the Family Weekend program, please contact the Campus Life Office at 716-673-3143.
• Scholars breakfast invitations and tickets are issued by the Fredonia College Foundation, call 716-673-3321 for more information.

Hotel Accommodations

The number of rooms in the immediate area will be limited, therefore, reservations should be made as soon as possible to ensure your accommodation.

 Fredonia/Dunkirk area

Jamestown (30 minute drive)

Mayville (30 minute drive)

Chautauqua (40 minute drive)

Hamburg (40 minute drive -all east of Exit 57)

Bed & Breakfast Accommodations