Newsroom

CORVALLIS - A three-day Civil War Weekend celebration on Nov. 21-23 will herald the grand reopening of Oregon State University's 68-year-old Memorial Union.

Festivities marking renovation of the exterior of the Memorial Union and bookstore remodeling begin Thursday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. on the bookstore's south steps on Jefferson Way.

"The Beaver Hot Air Band will play, there will be a ribbon cutting and prizes and gift drawings," said Machelle Kennedy, Memorial Union programs coordinator.

Prizes will include food and retail gift certificates from Memorial Union businesses, she added.

On Friday, Nov. 22, at noon Condor will play in the MU Lounge. "Bite the Duck" cookies will be passed out during the concert to spark spirit for the 100th anniversary of the Civil War football game against the University of Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Nov. 23, at OSU's Parker Stadium.

Celebrations continue on Saturday at the bookstore with drawings and food giveaways, Kennedy said.

The event marks the completion of phase two of a five-year Memorial Union remodeling project. Work began in 1994 with renovation of interior lighting, plumbing, flooring, fixtures and ventilation. The final phase will focus on the union's formal ballroom.

The Memorial Union, which is considered the hub of campus activities, includes a food court, meeting rooms, art exhibits, travel agency, recreation center and the campus bookstore.

Festivities are being coordinated by the campus Memorial Union Program Council.