This weekend, families were reunited as the University of Massachusetts kicked off its annual Family Weekend on Friday Oct. 4.

Students brought their families to Berkshire and Hampshire dining commons to socialize and fuel up for the events that filled the weekend.

Willie Degel, host of the Food Network show “Restaurant Stakeout,” joined by his wife Cindy, daughter Elissa and son Dylan, visited his eldest daughter, sophomore Alexis Degel. The family of five all enjoyed the changing campus.

“The foliage is beautiful this time of year,” said Cindy Degel.

The food-loving family was also impressed by the dining halls and was excited that recipe books were given out as gifts.

Willie Degel commented on the apartment-style living of the five Southwest towers, stating that it isn’t his taste to live in that way, but was happy that his daughter, Alexis, did not get stuck in a corner room like her freshman year. He also commented on the town center, saying that it “Needs more action, more whimsical shops.”

The University had multiple activities planned for this year’s Family Weekend. These included Hadley farm tours, hay rides, trolley rides to downtown Amherst, Commonwealth Honors College community tours, a women’s hockey game and ballroom dance demonstrations and lessons.

For sophomore Megan Botton the title “family weekend” was taken quite literally as her four aunts, seven cousins, uncle and mother all made the trip to UMass this weekend. Two of her cousins are high school juniors and are considering applying to UMass one day. The Botton family said they enjoyed many of the activities that were offered this weekend.

“We love the school, and went to similar schools when we were in college. The campus was beautiful and the activities offered during family weekend were great, especially for my three year old niece. We really enjoyed painting pumpkins, dipping apples and the campus hay ride,” said Megan Botton’s mother, Dawn Botton, who made the four hour trip from Farmingdale, N.Y. to attend family weekend, said. “The highlight of family weekend was seeing where our daughter lives, studies, works and attends classes. Overall we really love UMass.”

Kari Peer can be reached at [email protected].