Families flock to IU for the weekend

A new crowd accompanied the freshman class around town and campus this past weekend. \nFreshman Family Weekend, a long-time tradition at IU, is hosted and organized by the IU-Bloomington Parents Association. The association also hosts parents weekend. \nThis year’s Freshman Family Weekend took place just in time for a few popular Hoosier-related activities.\n“It was nice that there was a home football game,” said Tina Stevens, who spent the weekend with her daughter Brandi. \nBesides tailgating and football, families attended activities and tours hosted by several organizations on campus like the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, Kinsey Institute, Lilly Library, Herman B Wells Library, Wylie House Museum and the IU Art Museum. \nThere were several other sporting events, including volleyball, women’s soccer and women’s field hockey.\nThe City of Bloomington also provided entertainment for visiting families with the Farmer’s Market and tours of downtown through the Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau.\nBoth freshmen and family members think IU should keep the tradition alive.\n“Freshmen need to touch base with home,” Tina Stevens said.\nIf having the family come to college on Friday and Saturday does not sound too appealing to students, there is a plus side.\n“It’s only a weekend,” Brandi Stevens said.