Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 09, 2005
College Royal Takes a Step in the Right Direction
The University of Guelph’s College Royal weekend, the largest university open house event in North America, runs March 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. This year’s theme is “Take a Step in the Royal Direction.”
Sarah Nichols, the 2005 College Royal celebrant, feels that this is an event that makes U of G distinct as a school with a strong agricultural background. “It’s important because it upholds the image of the university, shows prospective students all the different options that are available here and shows the community the kinds of things we are involved in,” she says.
In addition to her celebrant duties, Nichols, a second-year food science student from Blenheim, Ont. will be participating in the square dancing competition and will be part of the team making ice cream for the milkshakes at the food science display.
This year’s open house features traditional favourites such as the livestock show, logging competition and dog and cat shows, as well as a photography contest and Gryphon Jeopardy. New this year are an Ultimate Frisbee competition and a junior tractor rodeo. The weekend will also feature numerous displays and activities by student clubs and individual departments, a juried art show at Zavitz Hall, hands-on teddy bear surgery for kids at the Ontario Veterinary College, live entertainment and a chemistry magic show.
Another College Royal tradition is the annual Curtain Call production, with this year’s company presenting Chess March 17 to 19 at 8 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. at War Memorial Hall. Tickets are $10 and are available at the CSA office.
Also scheduled are a number of team events, including a flower arranging competition, square dancing competition, seeds and forages competition and pancake-flipping competition. In addition, a lecture series will run throughout the weekend, featuring talks on a variety of topics being studied at U of G, including food science, children’s theatre and nutrient waste management.
A complete listing of all College Royal events and activities is available online. Programs are also available on campus and at numerous locations throughout the city.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rebecca Kendall, Ext. 56982.
