![[People listen to music during ReUnion Street Festival]](/alumni/sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/img/story/homecoming_reunion_street_festival_hero.jpg?itok=MQSqqaXv)
The ReUnion Street Festival has been a part of Queen’s Homecoming for the last two years, and has quickly become one of the signature events of the weekend.
Last year, Union Street was closed between University Avenue and Division Street to let thousands of students and returning alumni mingle and dance at the free concert by Juno Award-winning rock band the Arkells. The traditional limestone buildings of Queen’s were bathed in tricolour spotlights as local food trucks, artists, and musicians lined the streets.
ReUnion Street Festival Coordinator Emily Rowell, ConEd’17, feels these are the budding years of a new Homecoming tradition.
“I have high hopes to come back for my 25th reunion and go to the ReUnion Street Festival and think ‘I remember when I organized this,’” says Ms. Rowell.
Queen's University Alumni Association President Sue Bates, Artsci '91 is celebrating her 25th reunion this year, and sees the potential of this event for alumni and future alumni alike.
“This is a fantastic event filled with tricolour spirit. A testament to our students’ spirit of initiative, it provides a wonderful opportunity for all members of our Queen's community – alumni, students, faculty and staff – to celebrate together. The festival is a great way for alumni to come back to campus and feel connected to Queen’s,” says Ms. Bates.
As one of the main student organizers, Ms. Rowell feels one of the reasons for the festival’s success is that it is open to all members of the Queen’s community.
“It is not faculty or year specific. If you belong to Queen’s in some capacity, this is a space for you to celebrate with fellow alumni, connect with students and revel in the pride of the Queen’s family,” says Ms. Rowell.
The festival is run by the Alma Mater Society and is funded through a combination of a student fee, grants, and sponsorship.
One of the big questions Ms. Rowell always hears is who will be the headlining band? The past two years have seen well known Canadian bands perform. (In 2014, the headliners were The Sheepdogs.)
The two main factors Ms. Rowell looks for when searching for a band are that they have to be Canadian and play music that appeals both to students and alumni.
The festival has activities to keep non-music lovers entertained. There are many food trucks for hungry festival goers. This year several student groups – from dance groups to accapella groups and many performative genres in-between – will be performing off the main stage. There will be raffles with the proceeds going to PRO Kids Kingston.
The ReUnion Street Festival begins at 8 pm on Oct. 15 and runs until 2 a.m. Come and be a part of a new Queen’s tradition.
