MANSFIELD, PA—Homecoming at Mansfield University and the Fabulous 1890s Weekend will combine for one mega-weekend celebration on September 26-27.
The Fabulous 1890s Weekend celebrates the world’s first night football game played on September 28, 1892 in Smythe Park.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the shared heritage and the relationship between the Borough and the University,” David Cummings, 1890s Weekend co-chair, said.
“Mansfield and Mansfield University were founded in the same year 157 years ago and have grown together since then,” MU President Fran Hendricks said. “We are so intertwined, what better way to commemorate our shared history and friendship than with a combined celebration.”
The Weekend theme is “All Roads Lead Home.”
Highlighting Friday’s schedule on campus will be the Athletic Hall of Fame reception, dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the Manser North Dining Hall. Cost is $25 per person and reservations are required.
The 1964 men’s basketball team, Tim Cook ’94, Paul “Duke” Neatrour ’96 and Heather Long ’05 are this years inductees.
A pep rally will be held at 9 p.m. on the lawn in front of Memorial Hall.
The MU Music Department will present its PRISM Concert on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Steadman Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students. MU students with ID will be admitted free. Tickets can be ordered online at music.mansfield.edu or by phone at (570)662-4710. Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before each performance.
Registration for Friday’s Homecoming golf tournament at Corey Creek Golf Club begins at 8 a.m. and play starts at 8:30 a.m. For more information call (570)662-4466 or email kdecker@mansfield.edu. All proceeds from the tournament benefit MU athletic scholarships.
Activities in Smythe Park will get underway at 4 p.m. on Friday. High school soccer matches and a square dance led by the Cowanesque Valley Boys highlight the schedule.
The 4-H will have displays and demonstrations Friday night and Saturday. The YMCA will also have activities for kids all weekend.
On Saturday, the day will start with the “Run Past Hunger” 5K Run/Walk in Smythe Park at 8:30 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
The combined Homecoming/Fabluous1890s Parade will make its way up Main Street at 10:30 a.m.
On campus, an Alumni Tent Party will be held at the Water Tower before the Mountaineer football team will take on Navy at Karl Van Norman Field at 1 p.m.
The MU field hockey team will play Millersville on the Van Norman turf at 6:30 p.m.
Down on Smythe Park, the day will be filled with entertainment including the Banjo Man, The Flying Fleas/Medicine Show and Stitches the Clown, plus history, arts, crafts and sports. The 1890s Museum tent and Archeology tent will be open all weekend as well.
Take 3 will perform in concert at 1 p.m. followed by the popular Sadie Green Sales at 3 p.m. and a Battle of the Bands at 6 p.m.
The re-enactment of the world’s first night football game will take place at 8:30 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
After the fireworks, Steal Your Face, a Grateful Dead tribute band led by MU alumnus Paul Baroli, will perform in concert to bring the weekend to a close.
Admission to the Smythe Park grounds is a $3 button, which is good for the entire weekend.
North Hall will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and noon-5 p.m. on Saturday.
The Campus Bookstore will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. MU alumni receive a 20 percent Homecoming discount on clothing and MU logo items.
The Kelchner Fitness Center will be open and free to all alumni the entire weekend.
To register online or download a registration form for Homecoming events, go to alumni.mansfield.edu. Call (888)305-6505 or email alumni2@mansfield.edu for more information.
For a full list of events, displays and entertainment, go to 1890sweekend.com