Family Weekend

September 20–22, 2024

Parents and families, this event is for you! Save the date for a fun weekend exploring your student's home away from home in Banner Elk.

The cost to attend is $45 per family, which covers two Family Weekend shirts and all activities except those listed with a separate price.

We are no longer accepting shirt orders. A limited quantity of extra shirts will be ordered to try and accommodate registrations after Sept. 4.

VIEW SCHEDULE

Two shirts provided with registration.

Schedule of Events*

Friday, Sept. 20

5–8 p.m.	Check In Cannon Welcome Center We are excited you're here! Grab your schedule and meal tickets for the weekend.
5–7 p.m.	Dinner The Summit Dining Hall Be our guest for dinner in The Summit.
7–8 p.m.	Family Social Blind Elk Tap Room in Banner Elk Meet at the Blind Elk at 7 p.m. or meet Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Jones at King-Shivell Lounge in the Cannon Welcome Center (formerly Cannon Student Center) at 6:45 p.m. and walk over to the Blind Elk. A complimentary drink will be available from the Blind Elk as we gear up for the evening magic show! Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
8 p.m.	Matt The Knife: Magic \| Mentalism \| Comedy Evans Auditorium Matt The Knife (often referred to as "MTK") is the outrageous mentalist, magician, and speaker that's known for his trademark brand of wit that blends intense charisma with wickedly humorous improvisation and unique performance art. MTK has earned numerous industry awards and has been featured by more than 50 national and international media outlets, he was even an answer on America's favorite game show, Jeopardy!

Saturday, Sept. 21

10 a.m.–Noon	Academic Expeditions Various Locations Throwing In: An Intro to Wheel-Thrown Ceramics with Michael Iauch (Additional $10/person) Nature Exploration at Elk Valley Preserve with Wildlife Biology Wilderness Hike through Hemlock Trail with Wildlife Biology Mock Crime Scene with Criminal Justice
10 a.m.–2 p.m.	Brunch The Summit Dining Hall
1–2 p.m.	Wildlife Ambassador Presentation Evans Auditorium Learn about our ambassador animals that live at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
2–4 p.m.	Taste of Banner Elk Food Tour Departs from Evans Auditorium (Additional $10/person) Get a taste of Banner Elk’s most popular restaurants including Banner Elk Café, Sorrento’s, Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, and more on this delicious walking food tour. Advanced sign-up with your Family Weekend registration required. This tour is open to adult family members and their Lees-McRae student only, no children. Capacity limit: 30 people
6:30–7:30 p.m.	Alpine Coaster Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster (Additional $20/person for the 3-ride bundle—nearly 40% off of the door price!) Experience the thrill of North Carolina's first alpine coaster! The track's length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves, and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Advanced sign-up with your Family Weekend registration required. Capacity Limit: 50 people

Sunday, Sept. 22

9 a.m.

Hike a local trail or attend a local church service
Church locations listed below

*NOTE: The Family Weekend schedule is tentative. Scheduled events may change.

Feel welcome to attend a local religious service on Sunday morning. Churches for local worship include:

Banner Elk Presbyterian Church
420 College Dr. SW, Banner Elk, NC (Service time: 11 a.m.)

Banner Elk United Methodist Church
486 College Dr. SW, Banner Elk, NC (Service time: 11 a.m.)

Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church
6619 Hickory Nut Gap Rd., Banner Elk, NC (Service time: 9:15 a.m.)

Banner Elk Christian Fellowship Church
140 Woods Ln., Banner Elk, NC (Service time: 10:30 a.m.)

Mount Calvary Baptist Church
1161 Balm Hwy., Banner Elk, NC (Service time: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.)

Saint Bernadette Roman Catholic Church
2085 NC-105, Linville, NC (Service time: 11 a.m.)

Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church
1484 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC (Service time: 11 a.m.)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
604 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC (Service time: 10 a.m.)

Helpful Family Resources

Parents and Families Webpage
Stay up to date about the life of the institution and explore ways to join our support network.

With questions about the weekend, contact studentaffairs@lmc.edu or Assistant Director of Campus Life Jassa Harris at harrisj@lmc.edu.