The crisp autumn air and radiant sunshine welcomed hundreds of students and families, alumni, faculty and staff, and Castleton community members for a successful homecoming weekend.Saturday, Sept. 29 began bright and early as the members of the ski team set up the third annual ski-sale outside of Huden Dining hall at around 6:30 a.m.; overall the sale was quite a success.

“It was my third year doing [the sale],” said Castleton junior Bart Kalgren. “The money that we make from the sale helps cover fees and things like that at the races.”

At 9 o’clock, while the marching band played melodically outside the campus center, the dedication of the campus center took place. Speakers at the event included President Wolk, Dean of Students Dennis Proulx, and Assistant Dean of Campus Life Victoria Angis.

“It was basically recognizing all the people that made it possible,” said Castleton junior Justin Garret, who also spoke at the event.

Garret said that about 50 to 60 attended the event, including campus life staff members, the architects, and board of trustees.

Following the campus life dedication was the dedication of the athletic complex, where President Wolk and Athletic Director Deanna Tyson spoke. A plaque was given in celebration of the new complex.

Meanwhile, various sports teams working the Spartan’s football game, and dedicated fans lined the sidelines of the stadium as the football team prepared to play Gallaudet in what proved to be rowdy game supported by a spirited audience.

Although the football team lost to Gallaudet, the women’s field hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball teams notched victories at home during the weekend.

The college hosted a variety of other events including a boat tour of Lake Bomoseen, a psychic fair, and a walking tour of Castleton Village.

Castleton also hosted its own addition of cow plop bingo, where, unfortunately, participants stood around for thirty minutes only to watch two cows that evidently did not feel like taking part in the event.

However, the event sold 111 squares for $5 each, and the proceeds went toward Emergency Loan Fund in the Financial Aid office, said Angis, who attended the event.

“They had to draw the winning number from the hat,” Angis said.

The winning number belonged to Frank Bellavia, Castleton Class of 1972.

Overall the weekend was a great time for not only students and parents, but for alumni.

And around 3 p.m. on Saturday this could be observed best, as alums crammed tightly into the alumni “beer tent,” basking in the glorious sunlight, looking through old yearbooks, and rocking out to local favorite Duane Carleton.

“I love this, it is phenomenal,” said Castleton alumni Leslie Castle, class of 1979. “I still wish we went here.