Hundreds expected to attend Family Round-Up events

University News Service

Sept. 24, 2008

There will be something for every member of the family as hundreds of Texas State parents gather in San Marcos this weekend for annual Family Round-Up weekend events, sponsored by the Parents Association and the Office of Student Affairs.

Many activities are planned as San Marcos and Texas State roll out the red carpet to welcome parents and students for Family Round-Up 2008, Sept. 26 through 28.

Many events, including tours of Texas State’s Old Main, glass bottom boat rides at Aquarena Center, a stargazing party, athletic contests, and more are scheduled to welcome students and their families to campus.

Activities culminate at the Family Round-Up BBQ Saturday picnic that attracts 1,000 parents, students and local leaders to eat, listen to university talent and learn about campus and community groups and businesses set up to share information, coupons and prizes. Children’s activities, such as swimming, jiggle bug and jumping castle are also featured.

 “We are excited about Family Round-Up and the economic impact on San Marcos as hundreds of Texas State students’ family members arrive in town,” said Marian Loep, Parent Relations coordinator.  “Many hotels, restaurants and other businesses are welcoming parents through special offers,” she added.

Friday, Sept. 26, will be the night for stars when the Texas State Observatory hosts a free stargazing party from 8 to 10 p.m.  Physics senior lecturer Russell Doescher will give a breathtaking and educational view of the galaxy from the top of the fourth floor of the Supple Science Building.

Also, on Friday, take a paddling trip down the San Marcos River with the Outdoor Recreation staff.  Grab your bathing suit, hop into a raft or kayak and have some fun! Trips begin at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the latter being a twilight float.  Each trip lasts around three hours and includes guides, transportation, equipment and gear.  To reserve your spot, call the Outdoor Recreation Center at (512) 245-2004 and ask for the Family Round-Up float. Space is limited and fills fast.  Cost is $7 for students and $9 for parents and family members.

On Saturday morning, make your 7 a.m. tee time for the Morning on the Green at the Texas State Golf Course at Aquarena Center for an 18-hole, two-person scramble, sponsored by Campus Recreation. Entry fee is $45 per person and includes green fee, golf cart, Family Round-Up t-shirt and lunch ticket for the BBQ in Sewell Park that afternoon.  Awards and prizes will be presented during the Family Round-Up BBQ.  The registration form is online at www.txstate.edu/parents and click on Family Round-Up.  Deadline to register is September 26.

There will be plenty of food, entertainment, and family fun during the Round-Up in Sewell Park.  The Texas State Panorama Steel Band, Texas State Mariachi Band, Salsa Del Rio and Ballet Folklorico will provide musical entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. The buffet BBQ lunch will be served at noon, followed by VocaLibre, Hip Hop Congress, the Texas State Cheerleaders and mascot Boko and the Texas State Marching Band.  Families will also hear welcomes from Texas State Provost Perry Moore, San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz, Associated Student Government Vice President Jason Moore and others.

University President Denise M. Trauth will address the Parents Association General Membership Meeting at 2:30 p.m. at Jowers 209 followed by the football game against Southern Utah at 6 p.m.

Many thanks to Family Round-Up sponsors: Alumni Association, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Cabana Beach Apartments, the office of Campus Activities and Student Organizations, Great Locations, H-E-B #1, the LBJ Student Center, Parents Association, Prime Outlets ­ San Marcos, Sac-N-Pac, Saltgrass Steakhouse, San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau, Tanger Outlet Center ­ San Marcos, Texas State BobcatCard/Wells Fargo, The Outpost, University Bookstore, and Westfield Apartments.

For more information regarding events and activities, contact the Texas State Parents Association at (512) 245-3525 or log on at www.txstate.edu/parents and click on Family Round-Up.