The aroma of peanuts, sausages and cotton candy - mixed in with other circus- themed treats - filled the air around UB stadium on Saturday as UB parents and students were treated to a circus party.
Food and entertainment were provided to the family and friends of UB students as part of the campus celebration that is Family Weekend. The event preceded the UB football game against Toledo.
Seventy-five tables filled a big circus tent. People snacked on chips and peanuts. Apple cider, hot chocolate and other beverages were provided, as well as complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers and Italian sausages.
The large turnout of people at the pre-game big-top tent party made the event a highlight of Family Weekend. However, most people were not pleased with the long line that wrapped around the tent.
Richard Loeb, father of a UB student, said the only drawback of the food fair was the extensive line.
"The food is good, but they're probably going to get some complaints about the line," Loeb said.
However, the line did not put a damper on the event for other families.
"We don't like the line but we like the setup. The little man here likes the entertainment, they were very friendly," said Andrea Berman, mother of Brett Berman, a business administration major.
Entertainers were hired to amuse families at the circus party. About six magicians walked around the room, showing off a wide variety of tricks.
Among the various circus performers was a man on stilts, juggling and playing pranks on the families. A clown named Do-Do made balloon animals for the children in attendance.
"I liked the balloon guy; he made some really cute hats for the kids," said Stephanie Eggleston, a UB mother.
Do-Do also kept the crowd entertained with his good humor.
"We saw Do-Do the clown, he was hilarious," said Jessie Dresch, a freshman English major.
UB father Peter Slota, who attended Family Weekend in past years, said that this year's pre-game party has been best.
"It's excellent. We came early this year - a couple of years ago we came late and the line was huge so, so far it's been great," Slota said.
In addition to the performers, a DJ played a blend of old and current songs.
Event organizer Jen Wantz explained that the event was more than she planned it to be, as the tent overfilled with people.
"We're a little crowded right now, everyone comes at 12:30 p.m. because the game starts at one and they want to eat and go," Wantz said. "Everything's been going well and very smooth."
Wantz said that the enthusiasm of one family was unsurpassed.
"We had this one family who left their tickets at home and had someone break into their house and copy the tickets and send them just to prove that they really left them at home," Wantz said. "I was like, you didn't have to go through all that."
The event broke up shortly after 1 p.m.
This year's Family Weekend was successful despite the fact that scheduled performance act Cirque Voila! (comprised partly of members of Cirque du Soleil) was unable to attend.
