It will be a family affair this weekend at Limestone College as the school prepares to welcome the parents of current students.

Limestone is hosting its inaugural Parents Weekend Feb. 8 and 9, hoping to bring parents more in touch with the college experience.

"This is our first event and we are trying to plant a seed that will grow in the future," Limestone College Director of Alumni and Parent Programs K.C. Barnhill said. "(Parents) are instrumental in every facet of what we do as a college. If they do not enjoy their time at Limestone, it is unlikely their students will either."

Over the years the school has sought to bring parents closer into the fold of things at the college by including them in orientation and homecoming festivities. The college hopes to further strengthen that relationship this weekend, getting them involved in everything from athletics to networking events.

"The weekend will give parents an opportunity to interact with faculty and staff as well as network with other parents and students," Barnhill said.

A night at the bowling alley is on tap for families on Friday with Starmax playing host to the school's "Family Bowling Night." The following morning Limestone faculty and staff will have their own personal time with parents during a Faculty Fair at the Curtis Hall Parlors on campus.

"In essence, with these events we are building a large family here at Limestone," Barnhill said.

Coinciding with the weekend are Saints softball and baseball doubleheaders, followed by the men's and women's hoops teams taking the floor against Barton College.

For more information, call Barnhill at 488-4606 or visit www.limestone.edu/parents.htm