VCU Fall Fest offers wide range of events and activities

By Tom Gresham

Fall Fest, a growing tradition at Virginia Commonwealth University, this week brings together the VCU and Richmond communities for a dizzying array of events and activities designed to recognize the university's diversity, history and energetic growth.

The schedule for Fall Fest, which runs Oct. 11-14, features Open House, Family Weekend, Ram Madness and the Grace Street Festival, as well as concerts, tours, an art exhibition, alumni events, athletic competitions, mini-lectures and barbecues and other social gatherings.

"Fall Fest serves as a festive display of the many assets that VCU has to offer," said Reuban Rodriguez, Ed.D., associate vice provost and dean of student affairs. "It gives the entire community an opportunity to come together to enjoy some of the great things that are happening here at VCU."

This year's highlights include:

Grace Street Festival (Oct. 13): A showcase of multicultural diversity through international foods, ethnic performances, strolling musicians, movies and artwork. The festival, which is held at the 900 block of West Grace Street and the 300 block of North Shafer St., includes exhibits, food, music and performances.

Concerts and Performances (Oct. 12-13): The weekend features a guitar concert, a concert by a well-known flutist, a dance performance and a Motown concert.

Tours (Oct. 12): Guided tours of VCU and historic Richmond sites. Among the tour subjects are the architecture of West Franklin Street and the city's "most haunted" neighborhood.

Ram Madness Basketball Kick-Off (Oct. 12): A chance to meet the men's and women's basketball teams, Rodney the Ram, the dance team and cheerleaders. Prizes will be available for students.  

"Ixchel's Thread" Art Exhibition (Oct. 11-14): Ongoing exhibit at the Anderson Gallery of a collection of Maya weavings from Guatemala. On Oct. 12, also includes a demonstration by a master weaver and a lecture on Maya aesthetics.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the Fall Fest home page at http://www.vcu.edu/fallfest/.