Nicholls State University will be celebrating family during the 27th annual Family Day on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. next to John L. Guidry Stadium.

The event, sponsored by the University, is a collaboration of different organizations on campus giving back to families of employees, students and the community. It is expected to host 2,000 to 2,500 people, according to Brenda Haskins, executive director of auxiliary services.

“This event is the one time of the year when Nicholls does something big for families,” Haskins said. “It is a good way for people of all ages to get together and have fun. It gives a reason to invite your mom, dad, siblings and grandparents to campus.”

Stephen Hulbert, University president, said that the event “is a good way to broaden the University’s outreach to the community.”

The theme for the event will be “Fête de la Famille,” which means “Family Festival,” tying in to Louisiana’s French heritage.

Festival events organized by different organizations at the University, such as the Student Programming Association, will begin at 11 a.m. Live swamp pop music will be provided by Treater. Face painting, space balloons and a miniature golf course will also be available for children and adults to enjoy.

A food court will feature jambalaya, hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and soft drinks. Ticket booths will be available to purchase these items.

At 1:15 p.m., a pep rally featuring the Pride of Nicholls Marching Band, cheerleaders and Colonelettes will be held on Madewood Drive. Once the pep rally concludes, the band will head into John L. Guidry Stadium, and Family Day will end. The University will encourage everyone at Family Day to attend the 2 p.m. kickoff for the football game against the University of Central Arkansas.

Reduced admission tickets for the football game are available for $10 at West Gate 2 and East Gate 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. After 1 p.m., regular ticket pricing will resume.

A volleyball game against Sam Houston is also scheduled for 2 p.m. Tickets for the volleyball game will be sold in Stopher Gym for $5.

“Families will choose which sporting event they want to attend if any, but we do encourage them to attend one of them so they can support the Colonels,” Haskins said.

According to the official Family Day information pamphlet, Hulbert wrote, “Family Day is a very special occasion for the faculty and staff of the University and for the families of Nicholls students.” Hulbert said he believes that it is “vitally important for family members of all ages to become involved with the University.”

Dress for Family Day is casual. In the event of inclement weather, festivities will be canceled.

Haskins said this is an important event for the community to attend.

“This community sends its children here, and we deeply appreciate that.” Haskin said. “There are families and employees of Nicholls that do so much for this school, and this is a way for us to give back a little.”