Students, alumni and their families can eat cotton candy, get their faces painted and challenge their friends in laser tag at the ACU Homecoming Carnival Friday.

Jama Cadle, assistant director of Alumni Relations, said the carnival is a great way for people to connect for ACU’s Homecoming.

“It’s one of the first things people go to when they come from out of town,” Cadle said.

The carnival will take place from 5-9 p.m. Friday on the Intramural Fields. Wrist bands cost $5 and provide access to the petting zoo, games and 11 inflatables.

Alexandra Dodds, senior biochemistry major from Grand Rapids, Mich., said the obstacle course, laser tag and rock-climbing are new attractions this year.

Dodds, a Homecoming Committee member, said these attractions will encourage older carnival-goers, like college students, to come Friday evening.  Younger children will also have plenty to do, including a chance to pet miniature ponies, play in a bouncy pit and meet Willie the Wildcat.

“We’re defiantly encouraging people to come check out the carnival,” Dodds said. “And it’s just a walk over to Jam Fest afterward.”

This year’s carnival will also feature a new food platform since last year, Dodds said. Volunteers will carry purple cotton candy, turkey legs and other snacks on trays instead of selling them at stands. The Bean will be open to those looking for a full meal, Cadle said.

Nearly 500 people came to last year’s carnival, and a similar number is expected this year, Cadle said. Dodds, who helped plan the Homecoming carnival this year and last, said the success of last year’s carnival motivated her to take on the challenge of planning it again.

“All the kids were running around and were really happy,” Dodds said. “It makes it worth the stress of the rest of the semester.”

Fifteen students have already volunteered to help at the carnival, but student volunteers are still needed to do face painting, hand out tickets and play with the children, Dodds said.

Students can receive service hours for volunteering and do not need to sign up in advance, Cadle said. Set-up begins at 4 p.m.

“There’s always something for students to do, even if they just show up,” Cadle said.