ADA -- Students and their families can connect and enjoy a series of events during Ohio Northern University’s Family Day on Sept. 17.
 
“Family Day allows ONU students to share their college experience with their family members, which can strengthen those important bonds,” said Adriane Thompson-Bradshaw, ONU’s vice president for student affairs. “It emphasizes the importance of family as well as the family atmosphere we foster on campus.”
 
The Office of Residence Life and the Student Planning Committee coordinate the on-campus schedule of Family Day activities, which includes a variety of programs. Bingo will be held at 11 a.m. on the lawn in front of James F. Dicke Hall.
 
Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity will host a carnival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Affinity Village student residences. The event will feature games, food and hay rides, with proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks.
 
Wacky Chad will perform at 1:30 p.m. in the King Horn north gym. His stunt comedy earned this entertainer several performances on “America’s Got Talent.”
 
The Student Society of Health System Pharmacists, Kappa Epsilon and Zeta Tau Alpha will sponsor the Bright Pink 5K and Family Fun Run for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness at 3 p.m. on the University’s walking/running track. Registration will be held at 2:15 p.m. at the ONU picnic pavilion. Breast and ovarian cancer survivors will be honored at the event.
 
The day concludes with illusionist Kid Ace, who will perform at 7 p.m. in the McIntosh Center Bear Cave.
 
Family Day is held in conjunction with the Ada Harvest and Herb Festival, which captures the spirit of Ada’s small-town charm. Sponsored by the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, the event features local crafts and other goods. Several campus organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Panhellenic Council and Residence Life, are involved. Featuring 180 booths, the festival opens at 9 a.m. and a parade begins at 10 a.m.