Campbell ties Homecoming to region’s Scottish heritage

     Campbell ties Homecoming to the Scottish heritage of the Cape Fear Region and Harnett County’s Sesquicentennial celebration with a unique Homecoming and Family Weekend event, Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 20-23. “A Wee Bit of Scotland” features Highland games, dancing, music and food and a traditional Scottish worship service, the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan, held Sunday, Oct. 23, at 10:30 a.m. in D. Rich Memorial Hall.
     The Scottish began arriving in Eastern North Carolina in 1739, flooding the area with a rich tradition of music, food, dance and storytelling. Lillington attorney Al Bain, chairman of Harnett County’s Sesquicentennial Committee, said he is delighted that Campbell is joining Harnett County in celebrating its Scottish heritage. “To commemorate Harnett County’s 150th year, we wanted to reflect on our history,” Bain said. “With Campbell’s Scottish connection, it seems like it was meant to be for us to work hand-in-hand. I’m really excited about it.”
     Homecoming will kick off Thursday when the women’s soccer team takes on Jacksonville University, followed by fireworks sponsored by Student Life. A golf tournament at Keith Hills begins Friday’s activities which culminate with several dinner events, including the President’s welcome dinner and the Alumni Board of Directors and Class Agents meeting. The musical “Suessical,” a magical evening with the Dr. Seuss characters will also be presented on Friday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. in Ellis Theater of the Rogers Fine Arts Center.
     Saturday starts with a 5-K run and a time of fellowship at the Sports Hall of Fame, Education and Faculty receptions. The Student Club Fair, Charity Festival and special music will be going on live all day in addition to the Scottish events, which include Highland music and dancing, games, bagpipe and drum bands and a genealogy tent in which visitors can have fun tracing their own Scottish roots. Another major event on Saturday is the 16th annual brunch where the department of Government, History and Justice honors its distinguished alumni.
     A craft fair and old-fashioned picnic also highlight Saturday’s events, but the seminal event has to be the Homecoming Parade with plenty of colorful floats plus Campbell’s own Scottish delegation in full Highland regalia.
     Saturday winds down with a delicious steak and shrimp dinner in Marshbanks Dining Hall, alumni class reunions, men’s soccer and volleyball, and nationally known comedian Taylor Mason performing in Turner Auditorium of D. Rich Memorial Hall. Of course, no one will want to miss the Homecoming dance, featuring music through the years.
     For more information and a schedule of events, contact Kathy Crenshaw at (910) 893-1237.


Photo Copy: Native Scotsman, Jock Syme, superintendent of General Services for Campbell’s Physical Plant, dons his kilt for Campbell’s Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration, “A Wee Bit of Scotland.”