The University of New Haven beamed in blue and gold as family and friends of the Charger Nation gathered together to participate in this year’s Family Day on Sept. 25. The festival reached registration capacity days before the jam-packed event. An itinerary of the day was published on the University of New Haven website.

The campus welcomed families and guests, giving a pre-COVID-19 feel. The day allowed for admission tours, resident hall visits and trips to the Crime Scene Training House. At check-in, lawn games and breakfast greeted the guests at the Beckerman Recreation Center.

The Career Closet/Campus Pantry hosted in the Beckerman Recreation Center gave visitors access to donate new or gently-used professional attire. Non-perishable and wellness items were encouraged.

The Student Committee of Programming Events (SCOPE) engulfed the Bixler/Gerber Quad with inflatables. Guests of any age bounced around and competed in the Inflatable Fun Fest obstacle courses and slides. Here, visitors could sit with a caricature artist and munch on the provided popcorn and snacks.

Freshman paramedicine major Macy Nesbit said, “I think it’s really nice. I like that my parents are here and there are a lot of activities and free food.”

Activities such as Stuff-a-Bear, Cupcake Decorating and DIY Picture Frames were scattered across the campus for family fun and to kick off the autumn season.

New Haven Athletics was spread out throughout the day with Women’s Tennis v. American International, New Haven Football v. SCSU, and Men’s Soccer v. Saint Anselm College, with each sport winning its games. The football game had over 4,000 fans in attendance. Beckerman Recreation Center also hosted kickball and other obstacle courses.

Junior criminal justice major Kira Liethblau said that she is happy that the school offered so many activities but wished there was no overlap between activities and athletics.

“I like family day,” said Lichtblau. “I think the university is doing a really good job trying to keep everyone safe and still having a lot of activities. I’m really happy to see my parents.”

A salsa demonstration was available in the Alumni Lounge along with Kaiholunuie Dance Company demonstrating the Hula in the Bartels Student Activity Center Patio.
The event Charlie’s Family Chase was a day-long scavenger hunt where the winner wins a Charger Pride basket. An on-campus escape room, Escape New Haven, had teams working together to escape the German Cub.

Declan Sullivan, freshman cyber security and networking major, said, “[Family Day] is looking good so far. There are a lot of people out here, a lot more of a turn out than I was expecting. The atmosphere is good.”

The night came to a close in the Bixler Gerber Quad with a showing of “Raya and the Last Dragon” for movie night.