Family Weekend

Many parents who went to college probably remember their first Family Weekend at school. The joy of students and parents reuniting and the activities on campus make for a special time. Today Southeast Missouri State University kicks off its three-day Family Weekend festivities, and the lineup of events combined with what is forecast to be great weather should make for a fun weekend.

Tonight is opening night for the university's first musical of the season. "Into the Woods," a Tony Award-winning musical, starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the River Campus' Bedell Performance Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the River Campus Box Office or by calling 651-2265.

Saturday the Redhawks football team will take on Eastern Illinois in a conference matchup at Houck Stadium starting at 6 p.m. A free tailgate will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Bellevue Street in front of the stadium.

Sunday the Redhawks soccer team will play SIU-Edwardsville in a 1 p.m. matchup at Houck Stadium. Student admission is free with ID. Adult tickets are $5, and admission for youths ages 6 to 18 is $3. Children under 6 are admitted for free.

There are several other events on the weekend schedule, and to find out more go to www.semo.edu/familyweekend.

Parents are incredibly important to the development of their children. And though the "children" this weekend are now young adults, the role of a parent does not end. Whether it's encouraging your son or daughter, imparting advice, attending an event or competition or just simply listening, parents play a pivotal role in their child's life.

Welcome to town. Thanks for supporting your child in Cape Girardeau. We hope you enjoy the weekend.