By Edward Cen

Amidst the pouring rain Saturday morning, students and alumni gathered with their families on Centennial Commons to enjoy the carnival festivities, another facet of the weekend’s Homecoming festivities.

The event, hosted by the Student Activities Office, proved to be successful despite the bitter weather.

“We’re going to do the best we can,” said Erin Dayharsh, assistant director of campus activities and programs, who organized the event.

Although the carnival was downsized because of the weather, the event was still well-attended, Dayharsh said.

Families huddled underneath the overhang of Shillman Hall to enjoy free food and hot beverages while others waited in line to make wax hands or photo buttons.

Scott Hanley, a 1997 alumnus, brought his family to NU for homecoming and enjoyed having his children partake in the events. Though the weather may have affected events, Hanley said, “I’ve seen plenty of school spirit.”

Homecoming coincided with Parents’ Weekend this year and the influx of community drew greater crowds to all on-campus events.

Bill Schmitt, father of middler modern languages major Tricia Schmitt, felt that the carnival was pretty nice, although “the weather puts a damper on things.”

Attendees and organizers alike said the free NU swag handed out by staff made school spirit come alive.

“Even though it’s raining, you can’t dampen Husky pride,” said Kate Ring, event planning assistant in the Office of Alumni Relations, as she handed out ponchos, bracelets and pompoms to attendees.