The Ivy Lane Arts Fest, Farmers' Market and Children's Festival will provide

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The public is invited to share in Homecoming 2009 at Lock Haven University on September 25-27. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.

The festivities begin on Friday, September 25. Community members are invited to the Bentley Art Gallery Opening at 5:00 p.m. in the lower level of Bentley Hall. The art display will feature the works of LHU students, alumni, and the Lock Haven Arts Council. Following a 6 p.m. mixer for alumni, faculty, staff, and emeriti in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, everyone is invited to attend the 7 p.m. LHU Volleyball contest vs. West Chester University in Thomas Fieldhouse.

Events begin early on Saturday, September 26 with a 5K Walk/Run, a popular event which provides fun for all ages. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the event begins at 9:00, rain or shine. The event includes a 5K Run, a 5K Walk and a Kids’ Fun Run. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, the top three walkers, the top three finishers in each age group, the fastest mile time and the fastest team. There will also be team awards for overall male team, female team and coed team. .All finishers in the children’s fun-run will receive prizes. Race-day registration is $20. The first 100 entrants will receive a free t-shirt.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, Ivy Lane will be the site of The Haven Arts Fest, Farmers’ Market and Children’s Festival. Art, music, and theatre will be showcased, and local vendors will be on hand to offer produce, fresh baked goods and other treats, including kettle corn. Children will enjoy the free activities of the Children’s Festival, including sand art, face painting, and arts and crafts. The LHU Bald Eagle mascot will make a visit, as well as Mr. T. the balloon man.

Saturday September 26 will also feature a rich slate of athletics contests. The public is invited to attend and cheer for their favorite LHU teams. Four events are scheduled at 11 a.m.: the annual Crimson vs. White Alumnae Swim Meet in Zimmerli Pool, the Alumnae Softball game at Lawrence Field, Field Hockey vs. Temple at Charlotte Smith Field, and Baseball Co-Ed Alumni Softball Game at Foundation Fields. At 2 p.m., the traditional Homecoming Football Game will take place at Hubert Jack Stadium. LHU will be facing Mercyhurst College. The alumni band will perform at halftime. Tickets for the football game will be on sale at the stadium. The Alumnae Field Hockey Game will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Charlotte Smith Field. At 7 p.m. fans may watch LHU Volleyball vs. Kutztown University at Thomas Fieldhouse or the Alumnae Softball Game at Charlotte Smith Field.

Also on Saturday, September 26, the public is invited to attend Comedy Night at the Durrwachter Conference Alumni Center. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, after which the comedians from Wisecrackers will take the stage. Tickets for Comedy Night are $40 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets and additional information are available from Tammy Rich (570) 484-2128 (Trich@lhup.edu).

Homecoming events wrap up on Sunday, September 27 with LHU Field Hockey taking on St. Joseph University on Charlotte Smith Field, starting at 1 p.m.

Lock Haven University welcomes the public to this spectacular weekend of events celebrating Homecoming 2009. For more information, contact the Alumni Office at (570) 484-2586 (Lhualum@lhup.edu).