Students had a blast showcasing the campus to their families at ABAC’s 30th annual Family Weekend. Throughout the weekend, families got an insight into student life through events such as the Truck and Tractor Pull, karaoke, ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture, and much more.
Registration for families was $25, but that price came with many goodies. Adults received a white t-shirt and a folder with discounted admission to the Truck and Tractor Pull, dining hall passes, and a 50% off coupon for tickets to the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. Children received an ABAC drawstring bag with a megaphone, water bottle, and other knick-knacks for entertainment.
Family Weekend was in full swing by Friday Oct. 6. The Campus Activities Board placed a table to guide the families and give them their registration packets, t-shirts, and goodie bags.
The ABAC AET Club hosted the Truck and Tractor Pull at ABAC’s Tractor Pull Arena. A concession stand with snacks and drinks was available throughout the event, and proceeds went to benefit the ABAC Agronomy Club’s annual Farm Tour trip.
The ABAC Student Government Association also had a family-friendly karaoke event in the Lakeside Multipurpose Room. Students, families, and faculty alike had the opportunity to sing their hearts out.
School of Arts and Sciences Senator Lionela Guiterrez said,” Many families enjoyed it. They watched and enjoyed seeing the students express themselves through singing and bonding with peers.”
The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources gave tours of the J.G. Woodroof Farm, which is named after former ABAC president Dr. J.G. Woodroof. The Woodroof Farm allows students hands-on agricultural education in experimenting and working on the farm.
The Wiregrass Farmers Market was open for families to explore and make memories. The market sells locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, artisan crafts, and more.
The Family Fun Festival on Lakeside Lawn was a memorable event hosted by the ABAC Residence Hall Association for students and their respective families. There was an inflatable obstacle course, live music from the Old Hats Band, and many vendors and club tables.
The Georgia Museum of Agriculture was open for families to recognize the historical importance of agriculture. The museum included the 1890s progressive farmstead, a rural town, the National Peanut Complex, and the Museum of Agriculture Center.
Students receive free admission into the museum, and families received the 50% off coupon in their registration packets. Entrance into the Historic Village is also purchased at the Country Store. The GMA’s classic shop has hand-scooped ice cream, popcorn, gifts, and various Georgia Grown products.
To wind things down as families were leaving on Sunday, the ABAC National Residence Hall Honorary gave out free donuts and coffee in the Lakeside Grand Lobby. ABAC’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry hosted “Church in the Chapel” for families to engage in worship with the ABAC community.
Students and families had a great time at Family Weekend, and everyone looks forward to many more. Family Weekend gave parents, grandparents, and other family members an insight into what their student is doing at their new home, ABAC.
