Family Weekend, a tradition to encourage the parents and siblings of UConn students to spend time with the students and their friends, will be held October 4 and 5.

This year's Family Weekend features a wide variety of events, including a football game against Buffalo and a women's soccer game against Villanova. Other Family Weekend activities include the 32nd Annual Art Department Faculty Exhibition, a jazz quartet, a street fair and hot dog roast, and Comedy Night on Saturday in the Student Union Ballroom.

Parents may attend "academic showcases," classes given by UConn faculty that are designed to let parents experience first-hand the education offered at the University. Topics include "The History of Student Activities & Leadership Development," "Einstein's Incredible Legacy," "Human Development Over The Life-Span," and "Music: What Are We Listening For?"

Members of the faculty and their families are also encouraged to participate in Family Weekend.

Kevin Fahey, associate director of student activities and union programs and coordinator of Family Weekend, says "This is a great time for families of students and faculty to come together and enjoy the campus."

Also taking place during Family Weekend will be the 51st annual Horticulture Show. It will be held at the Ratcliffe Hicks Arena on Route 195 on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

"The objective of the Horticulture Show is to educate the public about ornamental horticulture, which represents the largest area of agriculture in the state,'' said Professor Mark Bridgen, head of the Plant Biotechnology Center and academic advisor to the Horticulture Club.

The show is the Horticulture Club's biggest event.

This year, the theme is container gardening. Bridgen says container gardening is very popular, especially in urban areas where there is no yard space and people plant their "gardens" in ornamental or practical pots. The displays will include woody and herbaceous perennials, vegetables, fruits and flowers, tropical plants, and herbs, with an emphasis on container gardens.

There will also be an expanded sales area that will include herbaceous perennials, woody trees and shrubs, pumpkins, gourds, garden mums, peanuts, honey, fresh fruits, candy, and more.

For a full schedule of Family Weekend events, call (860) 486-3425.

Daniel Smolin and Renu Sehgal-Aldrich