Football, picnic on commons sold out

Two Parents'Weekend events — the picnic on the commons and the football game — already are sold out, but several events are still selling tickets for parents and students to attend.

"There is something for everyone this weekend, that’s why all of the events are so popular," said Sheri King, director of parent relations.

Tickets still are available for both the 5 and 7 p.m. seating of the Gala Dinner. The Pops Concert, to be held on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the Convocation Center, sold more than 1,700 tickets. Only about 450 are left. The performance, featuring the JMU Chorale, the Jazz Ensemble, the Wind Symphony and the Marching Royal Dukes has sold out prior to showtime for the last five years, according to the Parents’ Weekend program.

"1964 … The Tribute", commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Beatles first show in the United States. a year’s break, because of difficulties booking them, the tribute band is back and will kick off the festivities.

"It was priceless looking over and seeing my mom doing the twist," senior Laura Dantzler said. Dantzler said she saw the tribute show in 2002 and was very impressed with how the band sounded, looked and acted like the real Beatles. "1964 … The Tribute," takes place Friday at 8 p.m. in the Wilson Hall Auditorium.

According to Becky Hylton, the coordinator of parent programs, the Godwin Field Festival will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Twenty-one vendors, along with JMU Dining Services, will be there serving grilled chicken sandwiches, barbecue pork sandwiches and hot dogs. Blue Suede will be performing swing and rock dance music. Families also will be able to pick up tickets ordered after Sept. 30 on the commons until 1 p.m.

The Parent of the Year award will be announced at the Godwin Field Festival. "We work closely with Student Ambassadors to recognize special parents who have impacted their children’s life in an outstanding way," Hylton said.

Following the festival on Godwin Field is the annual Parents’ Weekend football game. The Dukes will play the University of Massachusetts Minutemen. "The football game is a nice way to spend quality time with our parents, but the pre-game festivities are also great because they get to meet and hang out with all of out friends," senior Molly O’Brien said.

For general information about Parents’ Weekend call the JMU hotline at x8-3190 or toll free (866) 399-8432 or visit the Web site at www.jmu.edu/parents.