The sibs are coming, the sibs are coming!
Ohio University siblings take over Athens
By Melanie Barnes, Entertainment Writer
February 7, 2008 | 5 p.m.
With their siblings coming into town, students have been charged with the responsibility of keeping them entertained. Fret not, because with every organization set to please the sibs, this is the most diverse and activity-filled Sibs Weekend yet. For the young, old, sporty and broke, this year's activities will have visitors looking up to their Ohio University siblings for years to come.
For the younger sib
For siblings who keep posted on Nick Jr. and worship Hannah Montana, university-approved activities have been designed to keep sibs out of the house parties.
On both Friday and Saturday the university assumes that sibs are adamant movie lovers, showcasing Shrek the Third at 10 p.m. and Meet the Robinsons at midnight, taking the place of the usual UPC Midnight Movie. Both films are free, so students can use their sib as an excuse to indulge in a little Shrek and Donkey.
On Saturday at 2 p.m. Ping is playing hos to RecFest 2008, one of the most anticipated Sibs Weekend events year after year. Face painting, inflatable games, food and prizes pack the recreation center as Ping is taken over by a horde of 13 year olds.
For more action, the University Program Council is playing host to SibsFest from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the fourth floor of Baker Center. Students can jam out on Rock Band or Guitar Hero, challenge their sibs in the inflatable obstacle course or take part in a few carnival games.
For the older sib
Sibs who feel too old for Shrek but do not want to be exposed to a world of keg stands and Court Street stumblers can keep occupied by attending a free taping of Friday’s Live, a sketch-comedy "Saturday Night Live"-style performed by OU students. The taping will start at 6:45 p.m. on the 5th floor of the RTV Building in Studio C.
Comedy for the Masses Presents: SIBStacular will keep the laughs coming at 8 p.m. Both Friday and Saturday nights offer this student-written sketch and stand-up comedy performance for only $2 in Mitchell Auditorium located in Siegfried Hall.
Also at 8 p.m. on Friday, the Black Student Cultural Programming Board (BSCPB) is hosting a variety show in the Baker Center Ballroom, featuring everything from student-created skits and dances to a fashion show. Tickets are $5, but $8 covers the show and the after party. Afterward, head to the first floor of Baker Center for Poker Night, beginning at 10 p.m.
Saturday, The Union will provide a taste of Athens' music scene with The Never Evers and Sad Bastards set to rock out at 9 p.m. Or, for those who prefer the hip-hop scene, the BSCPB presents Fabulous, Jagged Edge and Athens' very own Jesty Beatz in the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for students and $24 for the public.
For the sporty sib
For students and sibs who never turn their attention away from ESPN, OU will be offering some fine examples of athleticism this weekend. Ohio wrestling and hockey both face-off against Kent State. Wrestling will start at 7 p.m. Friday, and hockey will start at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The Convocation Center will hold the old-fashioned Flash head-bashing, and the Bird Arena will show the 'Cats bleeding green, $5 for students.
For the sib that would rather do than watch, Bird Arena offers a Rec Skate, from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The price is $3 for sibs and free for Ohio students. Ice skate rentals are $2.15.
Saturday, the women’s basketball team is set to take on Eastern Michigan at noon, while men’s basketball hopes to dominate Western Michigan at 2:30 p.m.
For the artsy sib
If students and their sibs prefer Tchaikovsky to hockey, they might be interested in "From Page to Stage" presented by the School of Theatre. This showcase of props, costumes and stage set designs bends the rules of tradition to create objects for a new form of theatrical productions. "From Page to Stage" will be displayed in the Art Gallery on the fourth floor of Baker Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
At 8 p.m. Friday, the Front Room in Baker Center will play host to Open Stage, one of the longest-running open mic nights in Ohio, with Bruce Dalzell.
If sibs wants to do something out their usual realm of activities, head to Hillel at 21 Mill Street on Saturday for a light-filled Havdalah service and pizza making from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Or, check into the movies at the Athena, where "The Kite Runner" will be playing.
Of course, no sib fits completely into one generalization or another. Sibs Weekend is a chance to bond, to try new things and convince sibs that OU is the best school ever. So go forth and impress sibs with all that the university has to offer.
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