Moms Weekend changed the campus’ atmosphere as women took over campus, some visiting alumnae of the University, some who have witnessed several Moms Weekends and some first-timers.
Many special activities for mothers were held across campus.
Nathan Majors, sophomore in LAS, said he participated in many activities with his mom, such as working out at CRCE, attending the Women’s Resource Center’s brunch and the Craft Fair at the Union and finishing their day in the Union basement at a pool tournament.
He said he didn’t make any prior plans, but sent his mom the website for the Moms and Dads Associations, which had a schedule of events for the weekend.
“I was excited about the pool tournament until we started losing,” said Dana Majors, Nathan Majors’ mom. “I liked spending the day with my son doing things we don’t normally get to do.
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The Atius-Sachem Moms Day Sing, an annual show put on by several sororities and fraternities, was enjoyed by many visiting Greek moms.
Heather Punke, sophomore in Media, said she thought the show went really well due to the participants’ excitement.
“The moms were laughing and clapping, so I think they had fun,” Punke said on Saturday. “We are very excited for tonight’s show!”
Linda Lee, a grandmother, said she spent extra money at events, such as the craft fair and the 55th annual Moms Weekend flower show at the University Stock Pavilion.
“I think that all the businesses just wait for this weekend to make money,” Lee said. “It’s a good marketing strategy because the parents are just willing to spend, spend, spend!”
Flat Top Grill, was one company that experienced a spike in sales over Moms Weekend.
On Friday, Derek Roetzer, general manager, said the restaurant sold $2,000 more in sales than usual, and made up to $4,000 in profit on Saturday.
He said he expected Sunday to have $1,000 of additional profits.
The restaurant took more reservations, which Roetzer said was both good and bad for business.
“We’ve had a couple of large reservations, but then the (walk-in time) wait is longer,” Roetzer said. “People are turned off if it gets to be an hour-and-a-half wait.”
Roetzer said Moms Weekend and graduation weekend tend to gross the highest sales.
