Siblings Weekend kicks off with more than 1,000 participants
Northville sophomore Marry Catherine McLaughlin and brother Matthew McLaughlin attempt the balance rope on Jan. 26 in Finch Fieldhouse.
With a space theme of activities, Siblings Weekend at Central Michigan University started off on a busy note.
Students and their siblings arrived at Finch Fieldhouse Jan. 26 to partake in the first night of the annual Siblings Weekend events.
Senior Allison Tobey and administrative co-chair of Siblings Weekend, said they usually have 700-800 participants, but this year they have more than 1,000.
This year’s theme consists of anything “space” related.
“This year we did a DIY galaxy event, so they could make their own nebula jars,” Tobey said. “We did a DIY galaxy slime. We also are doing an observatory star gazing."
The night of events also included open bowling, swimming at the Student Activity Center, basketball and soccer clinics, Stargazing in Brooks Observatory and an open climb in Finch Fieldhouse.
Sophomore Ashley Bourier was able to reach new heights while rock climbing with her brothers, 16-year-old John Bourier and 18-year-old Ryan Bourier.
She said although there was a lot to pick from, the events made it easier to appeal to the interests of everyone in the family. This was the Bourier's first time participating in siblings weekend.
"We are a diverse family, we have a lot of interests and we are all a little older,” Bourier said.
The weekend was not only for siblings, though. St. Clair Shores sophomore Sarah Hall brought her three nieces and nephews, who ranged in ages from six to nine.
Many siblings anticipated making "slime," a growing popular trend for kids.
Jo-Jo Czinder, 12, was most looking forward to the DIY slime. Her brother, Bay City sophomore Zach Czinder, said that she loves making it at home.
The DIY Galaxy Event took place in the Lake Huron & Saint Clair rooms of the Bovee University Center, where 30 registered attendees were able to make slime and galaxy jars.
While students participated in the numerous events, they made sure not to miss the act of the night, international performer and illusionist Mike Super.
A crowd filled in Plachta Auditorium and was stunned by Super and his “mind reading abilities.”
Although Mike Super has only performed at CMU four times, he said he has a long relationship with the university and Siblings Weekend, noting him and CMU “go way back.”
"I think magic is really universal,” Super said. “It has a universal appeal to kids, adults and to grandparents."
The illusionist revealed to the audience performing at colleges are his favorite type of shows.
Many siblings were enjoying their first Siblings Weekend, but some were experts of the event. Lydia Cruce, 15, came for her fifth consecutive year to visit her older sister, Perry graduate student Gillian Cruce.
Lydia's favorite memory of her years with Siblings Weekend was the pancake breakfast when she was 12, when the breakfast had an "Under the Sea" theme.
"There was this guy walking around in a Nemo costume and he ended up in the background of all the photos we took, and it was hilarious" Lydia said. "It made us laugh so hard."
But among all the events Siblings Weekend had to offer, the most important part for many kids was spending quality time with their siblings.
"The best part of every year is hanging out with my sister," said Zoey Ross, 9, after she had just finished rock wall climbing. Zoey came to visit her sister, Saginaw graduate student Casey Ross.
