What’s better than a weekend of fun 400 miles inland? Ed Board would like to welcome all parents and Houston/Galveston evacuees to SMU. Getting to the Hilltop must have been a true ordeal, and Ed Board salutes your spirit and interest in your son(s) and/or daughter(s) home away from home.

So relax. SMU has a great weekend lined up.

Friday, Sept. 23

The fun kicks off today at 11 a.m. with a slew of events including a “Behind the Scenes” tour of Ford Stadium, where our Mustangs trampled TCU a fortnight ago. Don red and blue, and explore.

After catching some spirit at the stadium, Ed Board suggests heading to the Hughes-Trigg Ballroom (1st floor) for the Family Luncheon.

At three o’clock, head down to the south end of the Boulevard for a tour of the Meadows Museum. This place is a true gem to the university. The museum contains the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain. It features architect Santiago Calatrava’s distinctive “Wave” sculpture on the west side and a triumphant sculpture by Texas artist James Surls on the south side. Also, if you’re still hungry, you can visit the new Gates Restaurant for some fine dining.

Ed Board can’t make up its mind about what to do at 7 p.m., when seating starts for the 30th Annual Talent Show at McFarlin Auditorium and SMU’s women’s soccer plays at Wescott Field. Either option will prove to be great entertainment.

Saturday, Sept. 24

Pull yourself out of bed, shake off that hangover and start the day right with some Fair Trade coffee at the Coffee Social from 8 to 10 a.m in Hughes-Trigg Java City Cafe. The cafe also contains SMU’s 24-hour computer lab. Take this opportunity to check your e-mail and see how your family members down in Houston are holding up.

After that, exit the cafe, turn right, pass the elevator and the staircases, take a left before you hit the commons and pick up your SMU vs. Tulane ticket at the Mane Desk. Ed Board reminds parents, faulty, staff and students that kickoff time has moved from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. in anticipation of Rita’s rain of terror.

Guard your ticket, bring beads, beer, and an umbrella and browse the Boulevard as Mardi Gras rocks the Hilltop. The fun includes jazz, Cajun food and $15 “Mustang Mardi Gras” T-shirts whose proceeds benefit the American Red Cross.

If the storm arrives early, those of you attending the Family Barbecue (10:30 a.m. —2 p.m.) will have to head back to Hughes-Trigg.

Ed Board hopes everyone has a spirited and fun weekend. Stay safe and stay dry.