The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) will host its annual Homecoming celebration September 18-20, offering three days of athletic competitions, family activities, and alumni reunions. The public is invited to join students, faculty, and community members throughout the weekend.
Festivities begin on Friday, Sept. 18, with bouncy houses, field games and athletic team stations at 3 p.m. on Michael Simon Field. A free community barbecue will take place near the Sports Center from 5 to 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., UMFK will host a reception at the Blake Library for the new Legacy Wall display, celebrating the university’s growth since its 1878 founding as the Madawaska Training School. The evening concludes with a 9 p.m. dance featuring DJ Jhano at Lonesome Pine Trails. The dance is open to the public. Donations are welcome and will benefit UMFK clubs and organizations.
Saturday, Sept. 19, events start at 9 a.m. with the inaugural Acadian Federal Credit Union Crow Chase 5K at the UMFK Sports Center, benefiting the Fort Kent Recreation Department. The Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Festival Parade begins at 11 a.m. from the Market Street Courthouse toward Community High School (CHS). Food trucks and family activities will run from noon to 7 p.m. at the Sports Center quad. Athletics take center stage at 4 p.m. as the Bengal men’s soccer team faces the University of Southern Maine Huskies at Michael Simon Field, followed by an evening student-hosted bonfire at Crocker Beach. The bonfire is an alcohol-free event and is open to the public.
At 10:30 a.m., the Homecoming Brunch and Awards Ceremony will take place in Nadeau Hall. This year, the UMFK Alumni Association will recognize the graduating classes of 1946, 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2016, and 2021. There will be special recognition for the classes of 1976 (50-year reunion) and 2001 (25-year reunion). The Association will present awards to this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award and outgoing Alumni Association Board Members. Tickets are $15 per person. This is a chance to reconnect with alumni, old friends, and new acquaintances.
On Sunday, the weekend concludes with a women’s volleyball doubleheader against Fisher College at noon in the Sports Center on the Lowell Ozzie Osgood court. On Michael Simon Field, the women’s alumni soccer game begins at noon, followed by the men’s alumni soccer game at 2 p.m.
To register or view UMFK Homecoming events at the UMFK Homecoming webpage.
The UMFK campus store, located in Cyr Hall, is offering 20% off all clothing and novelty items on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday the campus store will be onsite outside the Sports Center from noon to 5 p.m.
Now through Oct. 9, the Blake Library Gallery presents “A Patchwork of Ideas,” an exhibition featuring the works of artist Joshua Birden. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
Join us for a weekend of Bengal community spirit and unforgettable memories.
All events with free food and/or limited capacity are first-come, first-served.
For more information on UMFK Homecoming events or to purchase tickets, please contact Michael Elliott at 207-834-7800.