Sign up for Family Weekend 2014 festivities (Oct. 24-26) at umsl.edu/familyweekend.

A fall tradition at the University of Missouri–St. Louis is back, and it’s shaping up to be bigger than ever.

UMSL will welcome parents, families and the community for a flurry of campus activity during Family Weekend Oct. 24-26.

“October is the perfect month to get re-energized by enjoying some fun during the stressful academic rigor,” said Megan Green, director of New Student Programs. “For new students and all students, it’s the midpoint of the semester – large class projects, midterms, getting colder and sick, and possibly being homesick and ready to see family members if they live away from home.”

The schedule of mostly free events features everything from a first-ever Triton Family Chili Feed, to campus tours, to dueling pianos and a Fun Run.

“The biggest thing that we want to see is the entire UMSL community buzzing during this weekend and enjoying this great campus and the amazing UMSL spirit and life and amenities,” Green said. “We know that we have a very diverse campus of students, so we have created a real variety, where different groups can enjoy all the events or just one or two.”

One of the many highlights is the Trendy Tritons Fall Spirit Wear Spectacular, a fashion show that made its debut last fall. It’s a chance to check out the latest Triton gear, ranging from seasonal apparel to “LOUtique” items, said Stephanie Eaton, manager of the Triton Store in the Millennium Student Center.

Students, faculty and staff serve as models during the event, which will take place in the MSC’s Century Rooms on Friday evening following the chili feed. The store will remain open until 7:30 p.m. and feature 25-percent-off deals on all UMSL clothing and gifts.

Pumpkin decorating was among the activities at last year’s Trunk-or-Treat event.

Two Saturday afternoon events offer excitement particularly geared for kids. One of those is Trunk-or-Treat, a recurring effort originally conceived five years ago as a student-service project. From noon to 2 p.m., the event provides children 12 and under, along with their families, a free, safe way to enjoy Halloween festivities.

In addition to trunk-or-treating in the MSC Garage South, activity and information booths will offer fun and early exposure to a collegiate environment. Organizers anticipate 250 kids this year and 40 trunks and booths, said Ashlee Roberts, assistant director of Student Life.

From there, families can head to the MSC for a kid-friendly movie – “Planes: Fire & Rescue” – at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in conjunction with Tiny Tritons, a year-round programming effort aimed at UMSL students who are also parents.

“Tiny Tritons is a great way to engage our student parents on campus,” said Tegan Klevorn, student activities coordinator. “It gives them the opportunity to bring their children to campus to see where they go to school, expose their children to the college atmosphere and be involved in campus life without having to find a sitter.”

Family Weekend wraps up with evening entertainment on Saturday and athletic events Sunday afternoon.

“We have a lot of amazing offices and collaborators for this grand, fun-filled weekend,” said Green. “It’s a great way for parents and guests to see the amazing things that their students have experienced during their semester so far and to get a taste of the UMSL experience themselves.”

For more information and to register, go to umsl.edu/familyweekend.