Newswise — Maryland Day - the University of Maryland's annual open house - celebrates its 11th year April 25. Back by popular demand is our Global Village in Hornbake Plaza. The "Explore Our World" day kicks off there with a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Enjoy an international parade of flags, presentation of colors by the university's Army and Air Force ROTC units, and opening remarks by President C.D. Mote and ABC-2 (WMAR-TV - Baltimore) anchor and alumna Mary Beth Marsden.
As always, Maryland Day is a family-friendly, must-attend event. Parking, transportation (from Metro and on campus) and all events are free. A wide range of food choices will also be available at reasonable cost throughout campus. Recycling containers will be available all over campus and there will be compost bins for food. Don't miss a scoop of Maryland's own special ice cream in the Dairy (in the Maryland Visitor's Center - Turner Hall)- or track down a free taste in the Animal Sciences Building.
Maryland Day is open from 10 a.m until 4 p.m. rain or shine. We've planned more than 400 great events all over campus. There are lots of new events this year - the university is now an arboretum and botanical garden - and a designated "tree campus" - come take a tour; Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney will be a featured guest; Celebrate Maryland's lengthy partnership with NASA-Goddard and experience "Mission Madness," Learn about sustainability at Maryland; Enjoy our international performance stage - events start right after the 10 a.m. grand opening; Learn to be an international cook - with recipes from our own employees in Dining Services - including ginger thai chicken and Vietnamese spring rolls; Take a tour of the award-winning solar LEAFHouse designed by our students; come visit robot alley, and learn what's next in astronomy.
Of course there's more - including live programs and tours for prospective students, a kid's carnival, dig for historic treasure just like a Maryland archaeologist, get free fingerprinting for your kids, tour the largest neutral buoyancy tank on the East Coast, and there's the can't-miss autograph sessions with our men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the men's football team.
Have "ducky" fun at the ODK Fountain on the mall, get your pre-schooler's speech-language skills tested, get blown away by a wind tunnel, have your picture taken with our Topiary Testudo outside Cole Field House, and don't forget the instrument petting zoo and other great events at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Then at 3:30, head over to Byrd Stadium for our annual Red-White football scrimmage.
Maryland Day is now one of the most popular annual events in the state and region - we had more than 70,000 visitors last year alone. Come with your family and make a day of it!
When:
Maryland Day operates rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
Where:
University of Maryland, College Park. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transportation - there will be free shuttle buses from the College Park Metro every 20 minutes. Free parking will be available on campus. Check the program booklet for more information.
Media Information:
NOTE: University President Dr. C.D. Mote will be interviewed about Maryland Day at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23rd from our Hornbake TV studio. It will be fed live via our fiberline to the AVOC switch in Washington, D.C. Please contact Crawford Communications at 703-750-0010 - Cell: 703-342-9919 or by E-mail to : [email protected] - to receive this interview.
Maryland Day on April 25 is open coverage. Great visuals! For more information, please contact Dave Ottalini at 301-405-4076 (cells day of: 301-257-0073 or 301-385-0907) or browse to www.marylandday.umd.edu for a program booklet and much more.
Hi-res photos and B-Roll is available.
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