Brock University students have a lot to celebrate this month with a variety of events happening on and off campus.

Homecoming, the opening of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, the unveiling of the new artificial turf field and the Niagara Wine Festival to name a few.

Over the next two weekends, Brock students will be volunteering at the Niagara Wine Festival.

It’s a tradition that started in 1997, said Barb Tatarnic, Manager of Outreach and Continuing Education.

She said students from the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute will be in Montebello Park Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27 helping winemakers show off their vintages during the wine and cheese seminars.

“We are there to add an educational component and it’s a lot of fun – a chance to listen, learn and taste,” said Tatarnic.

She said the students who volunteer have an excellent opportunity to work alongside some of the region’s premier winemakers and Brock alumni.

Students will also be showing off their Badger pride during the annual Grape and Wine Parade on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to watch the parade roll through downtown St. Catharines.

On Friday, Sept. 18, the entire Brock community celebrates a milestone seven years in the making. The opening of the $45.5-million MIWSFPA in downtown St. Catharines will include tours, performances and speeches.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, it’s all about homecoming. Campus will be busy with alumni participating in reunions, tours and the weekend’s signature event – the Red Dinner. Brock alumni will gather in the field in front of Schmon Tower to reconnect and enjoy food truck eats.

Also on Saturday, the opening of the new $1.5-million artificial turf field made possible through donations from alumni. After the ceremony, which will include revealing the field’s name, the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams will each play home games starting at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 20, a group of Brock students and staff will be participating in the annual Terry Fox Run. Brock cancer researchers will speak at the kick-off, sharing stories about how the Terry Fox Institute has helped them in the important work they do.

For a full list of Homecoming events visit: http://brocku.ca/brock-news/2015/09/brock-university-celebrates-homecoming-weekend/

For more information about the Niagara Wine Festival visit: http://www.niagarawinefestival.com/