FORT KENT, Maine — The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s upcoming homecoming festivities will feature a plethora of activities for guests including rides in a hot air balloon, live music and a presentation of Landmark, a newly-created sculpture for the university.
“UMFK Homecoming is about welcoming alumni, students, families, and community members back to campus to celebrate everything this university means to the region,” said Michael Elliot, executive director of advancement and alumni Relations.
The festivities begin on Friday, Sept. 19 with bounce houses and field games in the afternoon, followed by a community barbecue. Portland-based artist Robert Brochu will present a sculpture he recently created for the school at 7 p.m. The sculpture first arrived on campus earlier this summer. The three-sided, monolithic piece, which is now at the Sports Center quad, has a message on each side: “Know this land,” “Find your path,” and “Make your mark.” Brochu said these messages relate to the region’s heritage and the university’s mission.
Saturday morning will kick off with hot air balloon rides from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., food trucks from 1 to 7 p.m., and the UMFK Bengals Women’s soccer game at 2 p.m., and the men’s soccer game at 4 p.m. The night will cap off with a live performance of the band AD/HD, an AC/DC tribute band from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and a student and alumni dance at the sports center.
Hot air balloon rides will also be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, followed by a brunch and awards ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. And the homecoming will wrap up with a noon and 2 p.m. women’s and men’s alumni soccer game.
Homecoming requires a great deal of planning, with a committee consisting of people from multiple departments including university relations, student affairs, athletics, media services, facilities, marketing, dining service, and the president’s office.
“A lot of planning goes into Homecoming, and this year’s activities, led by Aaron Bernstein, truly delivered,” said Heidi Carter, executive director of marketing and enrollment management. “They organized a fun-filled weekend of activities for all ages, including campus traditions and family-friendly events, creating opportunities for our students, alumni and community to come together and celebrate LIFE at UMFK.”
Guests can register for Homecoming brunch via the UMFK website. The school’s alumni association will also be collecting food items from guests to support the school’s Feed the Bengals food pantry.
“We hope everyone joins us in making this year’s Homecoming one to remember,” Elliot said.
