The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith invites students, families, and the Fort Smith community to experience the campus on Family Weekend, Oct. 18-19, 2024. This annual event offers two days packed with activities, games, and opportunities to engage with the Ð԰ɵ¼º½ community, allowing families to celebrate their students' achievements and experience campus life.
“Family Weekend is your exclusive opportunity to experience Ð԰ɵ¼º½ campus life, celebrate our students’ achievements, and create lasting memories—all while having a great time!â€� said Stephany Dobbins, New Student and Family Programs coordinator. “This weekend is more than just an event; it’s your invitation to become an active part of the Ð԰ɵ¼º½ community. From pumpkin painting and thrilling volleyball games to our traditional chili cookoff, we can’t wait to help you make new memories with your Lions!â€�
The festivities kick off on Friday, October 18, with a Welcome Reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Stubblefield Center’s Srygley Hospitality Room. Following the reception, attendees can show their Lion pride by cheering on the Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Lady Lions Volleyball Team as they take on the University of Nebraska at Kearney at 6 p.m.
The excitement continues on Saturday, Oct. 19, starting with the Monster Dash 5K, hosted by Kappa Sigma Fraternity, at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes for this family-friendly race, suitable for runners and walkers of all ages. To register for the Monster Dash 5K, visit .
Following the 5K families can head to the Echols Parking Lot for the Family Weekend Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off. The event will feature a live DJ, inflatables, door prizes, and fall foods.
Simultaneously, from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., the Rev & Roar Rally Car Show, hosted by Sigma Nu Fraternity, will take place in the Windgate Parking Lot. Car enthusiasts can their vehicles for $25 beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. The award for Best in Show will be presented during the first timeout of the volleyball game.
The weekend’s main sporting event kicks off at 1 p.m., as the Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Lady Lions volleyball team faces off against Fort Hays State University in the Stubblefield Center. This match is particularly special as it will serve as the annual Pink Out Game, honoring those who have or are currently braving breast cancer. All cancer survivors attending the game will be honored, with survivors receiving a lavender ribbon. Prior to the game, a moment will be taken to recognize their courage and strength.
Additionally, Ð԰ɵ¼º½ is calling for nominations for the Family of the Year Award, created
by the Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Student Government Association. The award celebrates families who have
provided outstanding support to their Ð԰ɵ¼º½ students and will be presented during the
second set of the volleyball game. s must be submitted by Oct. 12, 2024, at 4 p.m.
The full slate of family weekend activities includes:
Oct. 18, 2024:
4 p.m. – Welcome Reception and Pumpkin Painting - Stubblefield Center
6 p.m. – Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Lady Lions Volleyball vs. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Oct. 19, 2024:
8 a.m. – Monster Dash 5K Check-In – Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Bell Tower
Rev & Roar Car Show Check-In – Windgate Art and Design
9 a.m. – Monster Dash 5K Start
Rev & Roar Rally Car Show Start - Windgate Parking Lot
11 a.m. – Family Weekend Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off - Echols Parking Lot
1 p.m. – Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Lady Lions Volleyball vs. Fort Hays State University
To learn more about the event, visit the .
Media Relations
The Ð԰ɵ¼º½ Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send%20an%20EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu
