BLOOMINGTON -- Not even Saturday morning's chilly temperatures could dampen the fun at Illinois Wesleyan's homecoming events on Eckley Quad.

Shortly after finishing the kids' fun run, 6-year-old Savannah Sleevar of Bloomington and her 3-year-old brother Nick happily jumped in a bounce house as their mom, IWU alum Michelle, watched. Asked whether she was cold, Savannah happily replied, "Of course I am," and continued to bounce as she kept her hands warm in her pockets.

The number of alumni who pre-registered was at a record high this year, partially because of a mix of activities aimed at "all alums, old and young," said Connie Vail, events coordinator for the alumni office. She expected an attendance of 1,500.

The family friendly events were "beefed up" last year, said Vail, and the Sleevars were among dozens of families on the quad. "The kids love it," said Michelle Sleevar. "We can come to the events and stay all day."

As Titan band members, many decked in hats and gloves, entertained the crowd, alumni and students browsed a juried fine arts and crafts fair that lined the sidewalks. "IWU is a fine arts university, so it goes along with and enhances homecoming activities," said art show promoter Debbie Netter of D&W Events Inc.

Although none of the 45 artists displaying works were IWU alumni, current students shared a booth. Senior Emily Cellini planned to use proceeds from the sale of her ink drawings and paintings to buy "more art supplies."

Cellini, who hopes to work in an art gallery or as a graphic designer when she graduates, said she would like to to exhibit at the fair when she is an alum.

One hundred seventeen members of the Class of 1959 will have their reunion this weekend. Ronnie Coons, a member of that class, and his wife, Sue Gilbert Coons, were among those mingling on the quad.

Both said much has changed since their days at IWU, noting only a few of the buildings remain. Still, looking at the effects from Friday's rain, Sue Coons found one thing that hasn't changed: "The mud on the quad."