The time has finally arrived to continue one of Southern Arkansas University’s most treasured traditions – Family Day! Family Day is set for September 21, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with a full schedule of family-friendly events planned throughout the day. The festivities will wrap up with an exciting Mulerider football game at 6:00 p.m. in Wilkins Stadium.
“We are so excited to continue this beloved tradition,” said Kandice Herron, associate dean for parent and student engagement. “There are so many great events planned for Family Day, and we can’t wait to welcome our Mulerider’s families to campus.”
The complete schedule of events is as follows:
- 11:00 a.m. – SAU Theatre presents Songs for A New World (Harton Theatre)
- 11:00 a.m. – Mulerider Volleyball (W.T. Watson Athletic Center)
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Organization Fair Tables and Family-Friendly Events (SAU Duck Pond)
- 11:45 a.m. – Beds Arrive for Best-Decorated judging (Crescent Drive in front of Fincher Hall)
- 1:00 p.m. – 44th Annual Residence Hall Association Bed Race (Crescent Drive in front of Fincher Hall)
- 2:00 p.m. – Family Reception (SAU Duck Pond)
- 2:00 p.m. – Great Greek Canoe Race (SAU Duck Pond)
- 3:00 p.m. – Mulegating (Alumni Center)
- 4:00 p.m. – Family Picnic (Alumni Center)
- 5:10 p.m. – Pep Rally (Alumni Center)
- 6:00 p.m. – Mulerider Football (Wilkins Stadium)
At 11:00 a.m., SAU Theatre presents Songs for A New World. This unique musical tells the story of twelve individuals coming together for their high school reunion. In their time away, each person has faced different challenges in their life. Through this act of reconnection, they tell their stories, rediscover lost loves, and reminisce about the good times. This special Family Day performance has been adjusted to be appropriate for all ages.
The organization fair is always a hit, offering family-friendly fun with bounce houses, rides, and snow cones!
SAU student organizations help kick off the day with the Organization Fair from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.,providing activities for everyone, including bingo, carnival games, rides, and snow cones near the SAU duck pond.
The 44th Annual Residence Hall Association Bed Race is one of SAU’s most unique and treasured traditions. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Crescent Drive in front of Fincher Hall, the thrilling race pits two teams of three students against each other in each heat. Two members from each team push the decorated, adapted beds as the brave and helmeted third teammate holds on.
This year, Greek Life will go head-to-head in a new location – SAU’s Duck Pond!
At 2:00 p.m., families are invited to the duck pond for the Family Reception with free food and refreshments. Another splash of excitement rolls in as the Great Greek Canoe Race takes place in the duck pond at 2:00 p.m.
A short walk down Farm Road, past the Downing Softball Complex, will bring visitors to SAU’s Mulegating festivities, which will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Alumni Center. Mulegating is SAU’s adaptation of tailgating before each Mulerider home football game. Additionally, there will be free carnival rides in the circle drive of the Alumni Center. This Family Day’s Mulegating is sponsored by Farmers Bank and Trust and Ideal Construction, who will serve free food. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the delicious food and festivities.
The Mulegating pep rally will feature the largest Marching Band in SAU’s history and the nationally competitive SAU Cheerleading squad beginning at 5:10 p.m. in front of the Alumni Pavilion.
Don’t forget to wear your blue and gold to cheer on the Muleriders!
Fans can walk across the Alumni Bridge from Mulegating to get a good seat at Wilkins Stadium for the Mulerider football game, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., at Rip Powell Field against Ouachita Baptist University. To purchase tickets for the game, go to www.MuleriderAthletics.com/tickets.
SAU looks forward to continuing the beloved tradition of Family Day. Saddle up and get ready to have a wonderful time!
