The Abilene community can enjoy family-friendly entertainment at ACU’s Homecoming Carnival this weekend, an annual event that sprawls across the mall area outside Moody Coliseum. This year’s carnival will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

The Alumni Relations Office invited local elementary schools to attend the carnival. A petting zoo, face painting and pony rides will be available for those students and other children. ACU students may enjoy inflatable obstacle courses and carnival games.

Jama Cadle, assistant director of Alumni Relations, said hungry guests can enjoy traditional carnival foods while listening to live music.

ARAMARK will sell food like sausage on a stick, nachos, cotton candy and hot dogs. Students may use Bean Bucks to purchase items at the carnival; those using meal plans will be able to get fair food in the Bean.

The carnival has been an annual campus event since the early ’90s, and it has become one of many Homecoming traditions, Cadle said.

“The carnival has been something that has gone along for a while now,” Cadle said. “It continues to grow every year.”

Wristbands allowing unlimited access to carnival attractions cost $5. Almost 600 wristbands were sold at the carnival last year, and Cadle said she hopes for a similar turnout this year.

Students are working behind the scenes so others can enjoy the festivities. Students will help operate all of the games and attractions.

Junior Alexandra Dodds, junior biochemistry major from Grand Rapids, Mich., has been coordinating the carnival for the past couple of months.

“I would just encourage all of the students to come out to the carnival,” Dodds said. “We just want to show alumni and everyone on campus a positive and Christian attitude.”