Great Greek Canoe Race takes place at the SAU Duck Pond.

The time has finally arrived to continue one of Southern Arkansas University’s most treasured traditions – Family Day! Family Day is set for September 26, 2026, beginning at 11:30 a.m., with a full schedule of family-friendly events planned throughout the day. The festivities will wrap up with an exciting Mulerider football game at 6:00 p.m. in Wilkins Stadium.

Family Day is always a special opportunity to bring our Mulerider families together and give them a chance to experience campus alongside their students,” said Kandice Herron, dean of student and parent experiences. “We’re looking forward to a great day filled with activities, connection, and plenty of Mulerider spirit.

The complete schedule of events is as follows:

• 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Organization Fair Tables and Family-Friendly Events (SAU Duck Pond)
• 11:45 a.m. – Beds Arrive for Best-Decorated judging (Crescent Drive in front of Fincher Hall)
• 1:00 p.m. – 46th Annual Residence Hall Association Bed Race (Crescent Drive in front of Fincher Hall)
• 2:00 p.m. – Family Reception (SAU Duck Pond)
• 2:00 p.m. – Great Greek Canoe Race (SAU Duck Pond)
• 3:00 p.m. – Mulegating (Alumni Center)
• 4:00 p.m. – Family Picnic (Alumni Center)
• 5:00 p.m. – Pep Rally (Alumni Center)
• 6:00 p.m. – Mulerider Football (Wilkins Stadium)

SAU student organizations help kick off the day with the Organization Fair from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., providing activities for everyone, including bingo, carnival games, inflatables, and snow cones near the SAU duck pond.

SAU Spirit Squads perform at the Mulegate.

The 46th Annual Residence Hall Association Bed Race is one of SAU’s most unique and treasured traditions. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Crescent Drive in front of Fincher Hall, the thrilling race pits two teams of three students against each other in each heat. Two members from each team push the decorated, adapted beds as the brave and helmeted third teammate holds on.

At 2:00 p.m., families are invited to the duck pond for the Family Reception with free food and refreshments. Another splash of excitement rolls in as the Great Greek Canoe Race takes place in the duck pond at 2:00 p.m.

Mulegating is a great place to hangout with friends!

A short walk down Farm Road, past the Downing Softball Complex, will bring visitors to SAU’s Mulegating festivities, which will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Alumni Center. Mulegating is SAU’s adaptation of tailgating before each Mulerider home football game. This Family Day’s Mulegating is sponsored by People’s Bank, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and Mainline Heath Systems who will serve free food. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the delicious food and festivities.

The Mulegating pep rally will feature SAU’s marching band, cheerleading squad and dance team beginning at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Alumni Pavilion.

Mulerider fans pack out Wilkins Stadium.

Fans can walk across the Alumni bridge from Mulegating to get a good seat at Wilkins Stadium for the Mulerider football game, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., at Rip Powell Field against Henderson State University. To purchase tickets for the game, go to www.MuleriderAthletics.com/tickets.

SAU looks forward to continuing the beloved tradition of Family Day. Saddle up and get ready to have a wonderful time!