Fun Day: Explore SU Features Stunt Bike Show, Jousting
SALISBURY, MD---From the equine sportsmen of the Renaissance era to a champion stunt biker of the 21st century, Fun Day: Explore SU brings an afternoon of entertainment and educational events to the Salisbury University campus Saturday, September 20.
Scheduled from 1-5 p.m., the event features two stunt shows by champion mountain biker Mike Steidley, a Renaissance-themed section complete with two live jousts and tours of the new Teacher Education and Technology Center, along with some 50 other family fun activities.
Steidley demonstrates the “ups and downs” of stunt cycling at 1:15 and 3 p.m. on the Fun Day Green. For those who prefer their entertainment from another era, Paragon Jousting holds live Renaissance demonstrations at 2 and 4 p.m. on the Holloway Hall Lawn, along with Renaissance musicians and strolling squires. A roving caricaturist provides portraits throughout the day.
Another highlight is the SU Chemistry Department’s annual packed-house “Fire and Ice” demonstration held in Devilbiss Auditorium. This exciting show comes complete with explosions and ice cream.
“We want Fun Day to appeal to a wide variety of interests,” said Betsy Rodier, Fun Day coordinator. “Families never know what they’ll find moving from building to building and classroom to classroom. One room might have a candy sushi-making demonstration courtesy of University Dining Services, while right next door children may be learning to write their names in Chinese calligraphy.”
Most festival activities are on the Fun Day Green—the expanse of lawn between the Rt. 13 parking lot and Henson Science Hall. There will be an inflatable moon bounce and obstacle course, arts and crafts such as the Ward Museum’s duck carving with child-safe tools, games, free prizes, a chance to be photographed with SU’s Sammy the Sea Gull and much more.
A hayride provides tours of the campus, stopping at the Renaissance area, where families may enjoy historic demonstrations as well as more modern attractions such as a dragon moon bounce. The wagon also stops by Fulton Hall, with features even more crafts, exhibits and demonstrations like pottery throwing.
Children are encouraged to bring sneakers to play with the “big kids” during sports clinics, or a bathing suit to take a dip in SU’s pool.
During Fun Day, SU students, faculty and staff demonstrate some of their unique talents, from using geographic information systems to take aerial photographs to playing in bands including Pugsley and Elvis Who?, two of this year’s many live music performances.
By design, the festival offers an interactive environment where children may experience things they have never tried before. “The activities keep the focus on education while sending a strong message that learning can be fun,” said Rodier.
Many campus departments and student groups are involved, including the Student Organization for Activities Planning (SOAP) with a “Snakes Alive” presentation. Children are also invited to go behind the scenes at SU’s television production studio and the Public Radio Delmarva stations.
Coming to campus from the community are organizations including the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and its K-9 unit. Delmarva Broadcasting also returns to provide treats and tunes with its free ice cream truck.
Fun Day activities are free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu/funday.