College Royal will celebrate its 92nd year with more than 30,000 people expected at the University of Guelph March 19 and 20.
The free event, running this year with the theme of “Rock ‘n Royal,” is North America’s largest student-run university open house.
College Royal will feature live music in the University Centre courtyard and club exhibits with a “hall of fame.”
The organizing committee hopes to attract both new and repeat visitors, said Vanessa Crowley, vice-president of events.
“College Royal is for many more than just university students; many people in the community, families, alumni and even prospective students attend College Royal,” she said.
“College Royal has become an annual community event. We want to showcase to the community all of what Guelph and U of G have to offer.”
Family-friendly events will include livestock shows, square dancing, campus tours, logging competitions, dog and cat shows, photography and art, synchronized swimming demonstrations, a flower-arranging competition and a pancake-flipping contest.
New or recently introduced events include a community art extravaganza with works by students and Guelph community members, and the Great Town and Gown Chili Chowdown.
Kids can take in Old MacDonald’s New Farm, a junior tractor rodeo, face painting, teddy bear surgery, a chemistry magic show and food science milkshakes.
New this year is a kids’ carnival, which will include sumo suits, an obstacle course and arcade-style game inflatables such as basketball.
U of G student clubs and classes have also designed displays and exhibits.
“College Royal is an event that is organized continuously throughout the year – we elect an executive the second week back in the fall and begin planning then,” said Crowley.
“We have a maximum executive of 90 student-run positions and we filled the entire executive this year. Each position is responsible for a unique role within College Royal that all add up to make our events so successful.”
For a complete schedule of events, visit the College Royal website. For more information, email colroyal@uoguelph.ca or call 519-824-4120, Ext. 58366.