Family Weekend

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages: Family Weekend is looking to offer something for everyone with cirque performances, a free movie, a standup comedian and more.

"This event provides an opportunity for families to come visit their students on campus and get a feel for what college life is like," said Jennifer Wantz, assistant director of student activities.

A circus tent pre-game party will kick off the festivities before the football game at noon on Saturday at UB Stadium.

"We're going to give out clown noses and have cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs," Wantz said. "There will also be clowns, airbrush tattooing, and balloon animals."

The featured event this year is "Cirque Voila!" a cirque-nouveau event where performers use amazing stunts and traditional circus arts to tell a story about the human search for belonging.

"There will be different performers from all the different cirques out there. They put together a show including a contortionist, some clowns and trapeze and balancing acts," Wantz said.

In addition, there will be an "aerial tissue" segment in which a dancer performs while suspended in the air by two long pieces of material. Other acts will include duo hand balancing and juggling.

"When I was a dancer, we had a few routines that were influenced by the 'Cirque de Soleil,' so it'll be cool to see it in person with my mom," said Angela Pellett, freshman architecture major.

Another high-profile event is "An Afternoon of Entertainment," featuring comedian Dwayne Perkins, who has appeared on various television shows including "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Late Late Show" and "Premium Blend." Perkins has also starred in his own "Comedy Central Presents" special.

"Perkins is a very clean and funny comic, which is perfect for family weekend," Wantz said.

A family brunch will be held on Sunday before the show, where a lavish spread of dishes will be available, including a made-to-order omelet bar, French toast, salads, baked ziti, roast top round au jus and desserts.

Tickets to Sunday's brunch and comedy show are sold out, Wantz said.

Taylor Hammen, a freshman dance major, is planning on taking full advantage of the festivities with her mom.

"I think family weekend is important because its a nice opportunity to see your family if you can't go home a lot," she said. "It's also nice to show them around campus and the buildings you have class in."

Pellett sees the weekend as a chance to show her mom what her life away from home is like.

"I want my mom to come so she can see the whole campus and what the activities are like here so she can get a good idea of what I experience," she said. "I want her to get a chance to see what I go through and it'll help her understand more of UB than just the academic aspect."