Home of the Knights renamed to celebrate Simplii Financial’s investment in students

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A significant commitment to student success at Niagara College was celebrated on November 24 when students, employees and special guests gathered for an event at the Welland Campus to officially mark the renaming of the College’s Athletic Centre.

The new name – the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre – recognizes a generous $1 million sponsorship from Simplii Financial, previously announced in October, to expand recreation and engagement opportunities for students, across sports, extra-curricular programming, and college events.

a group of four people and a mascot stand with a large cheque for one million dollars

A $1 million commitment from Simplii Financial was officially celebrated on Nov. 24 in front of the entrance of the newly named Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus.
From left: Kam Dhadwar, Managing Director, Simplii Financial; Christian Exshaw, Managing Director and Head, Global Markets & Direct Financial Services, CIBC; NC President Sean Kennedy; NCSAC President Dipal Patel.

Gord Arbeau, NC’s Vice President, Advancement who emceed the event, set the stage for the celebration.

“Over the last decade demand for a Niagara College education has grown not only here in Canada, but around the world,” said Arbeau. “Students from more than 80 countries are now drawn to Niagara each year for their studies, and for many of these students, Simplii Financial has eased their transition into Canada through the financial services that they provide.”

“We’re very pleased that Simplii’s connection to our students has now extended beyond banking and into direct support for activities and events that significantly enhance our students’ experience and their overall success,” he added.

NC President Sean Kennedy applauded Simplii’s partnership, noting how CIBC and Simplii exemplify the College’s commitments to being student-focused, innovative, and trailblazing.

“We are grateful for Simplii’s support that will elevate what we can do for students and look forward to working together to round out the student experience to make it the best that it can be,” said Kennedy.

Christian Exshaw, Managing Director and Head, Global Markets & Direct Financial Services, CIBC and Simplii Financial, spoke about the evolution of the Simplii Financial brand and its strong customer focus, highlighting synergies between Simplii and the College’s commitment to students.

“Thank you for the kindness and partnership,” Exshaw said, addressing members of the NC community. “It’s just the beginning,” he added, referring to a continued partnership with the College in support of the student experience.

“When an investment is made in the betterment of students, it leads to them accomplishing their dreams, achieving their biggest goals, and further growing their pride in their education, and the institution where they studied,” said NC Student Administrative Council President Dipal Patel who also spoke at the event.

NC’s Director, Athletics and Student Engagement Michele O’Keefe sparked applause from the crowd when she shared the excitement around having a new name for the Athletic Centre. “Our team is excited to refer to the gym as the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre, especially when calling Knights games,” she said.

Knights student-athletes Noah Vogel and Jamira Rousseau

Knights student-athletes Jamira Rousseau and Noah Vogel were also welcome guests who spoke about their college experiences.

“Being a varsity athlete can be difficult but with this support from Simplii Financial, it will improve the student athlete experience for our Niagara College varsity athletes to further their skills and become better athletes on the court or field,” said Rousseau, a fourth year student-athlete from the Social Service Worker program who plays on the women’s basketball team.

Vogel, a second-year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film student who plays on the men’s soccer team, shared how his love for sport and his program intersect as a varsity athlete and student who has called Knights games and hosted a radio show.

“Simplii’s support will makes these real-life learning experiences even better by funding the latest technology that my fellow students and I will use in the industry after we graduate. It will also enhance our broadcasts of varsity sports and community events,” said Vogel. “On behalf of student athletes at Niagara College, thank you to Simplii Financial for this commitment to help enhance the future of these programs.”

City of Welland Mayor Frank Campion commended Simplii and the College on their partnership, which not only benefits the College, but strengthens the broader community. “The College has great people and great partners who have made the College what it is today,” he said.

Following remarks, guests were treated to an on-campus reception in The Core, featuring a selection of light fare, including a charcuterie display from Chz Plz, owned and operated by NC alumna Marissa Hartley (Culinary Skills, 2015). A custom cake and cookies featuring a banking theme and made by NC bakery and pastry students under the guidance of Professor Catherine O’Donnell, provided a sweet ending to the celebratory event.

“Simplii” supporting students

Simplii Financial’s generous sponsorship will bring NC’s strategic commitment to a wholistic student experience to life by funding exciting new initiatives and activities that significantly enhance the recreational, academic and cultural experiences for students, including:

  • Growing in-demand cricket and flag football offerings;
  • Supporting varsity athletics, and allowing for important equipment investments in NC’s Broadcasting program, supporting its ability to continue and enhance varsity sports broadcasts that are among the best in Canada;
  • And supporting the orientation events that are essential to our students’ success, and celebrations and events that celebrate our college’s rich cultural diversity.

Seven NC Alumni of Excellence honourees earn prestigious Premier’s Award nominations

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Collage of 7 headhots.

The CEO of a major retail chain has joined a hospital president, a high-tech veteran, a community non-profit leader, a popular drag queen/pop star, a development technologist, and an automotive technical trainer as part of a select group of distinguished NC alumni to be nominated for prestigious Premier’s Awards.

The group represents the first cohort of Niagara College’s annual Alumni of Excellence honourees. Introduced this year, the annual program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of a distinct group of NC alumni through a series of on-campus programs and events and is the most significant recognition of NC graduates.

The Alumni of Excellence honourees have also been put forward for provincial recognition, as nominees for Colleges Ontario’s 2023 Premier’s Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions that college alumni make to Ontario and the world.

Nominations are submitted from each of Ontario’s 24 colleges in seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Creative Arts and Design, Community Services, Health Sciences, Technology and Recent Graduate (within five years). NC’s 2023 nominees include:

  • Christine White (Apprenticeship) Lead Technical Trainer, Stellantis N.V. (NC Auto Service Technician grad, 2006);
  • Jason Ofield (Business), President and Chief Executive Officer, Bulk Barn Foods Limited (NC Business, Sales and Marketing grad, 2006);
  • Mark Carl (Community Services) CEO, Habitat for Humanity Niagara (Business Administration – Marketing grad 1997, and International Trade grad, 1997);
  • Mark Suknanan/Priyanka (Creative Arts and Design), Drag Queen, pop star and television personality (NC Broadcasting – Radio Television and Film grad, 2012);
  • Dorothy Urschel (Health Sciences) President and CEO, Columbia Memorial Hospital and Clinical Professor, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo (Nursing grad, 1991);
  • Jessica Garrett (Recent Graduate) Development Technologist, City of Niagara Falls (NC Carpentry and Renovation Techniques grad, 2015, and Construction Engineering Technology grad, 2019);
  • John Zambakkides (Technology) President and CEO, Z3 Controls Inc. (Power Engineering diploma, 1972).

“From leading health care institutions and building cross-country retail chains, to working tirelessly to solve housing inequities and diversify the skilled trades, NC grads are at the vanguard of making change and leading our communities,” said Gord Arbeau, Niagara College’s Vice President, Advancement. “This cohort of distinguished Alumni of Excellence reflects NC students and graduates who are making the world and our region better places to work and live. They join past generations of alumni impacting our lives today and in the future.”

Colleges Ontario’s 2023 Premier’s Awards will be presented on November 27 at the Sheraton in Toronto. Nominees will be honoured and winners will be announced at an annual gala event, which is part of the Colleges Ontario Higher Education Summit.

NC alumni who have won previously include:

  • 2022: Journalist Murray Brewster (Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film grad, 1985), and Founder of Erica’s Embrace, Erica Williams (Social Service Worker grad, 2018);
  • 2014: Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Rebecca Patterson (Nursing grad, 1987);
  • 2012: David Pratt (Greenhouse Technician grad, 2007);
  • 2011: Jerry Howell (Computer Engineering Technology grad, 1988);
  • 2008: Jordan Harris (Winery and Viticulture Technician grad, 2004);
  • 2003: Heather Kilty (Social Welfare Worker grad, 1969);
  • 1995: Carol Alaimo (Journalism-Print grad, 1984).

Support Nourishing Minds on Giving Tuesday

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Double the impact on Nov. 28

The NC community will have a chance to open their hearts and wallets in support of students this Giving Tuesday.

To be held November 28, Giving Tuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement that encourages people to do good and celebrate giving. At Niagara College, Giving Tuesday focuses on supporting students. Over the past three years, the NC community has collectively contributed over $30,000 on Giving Tuesday to the Nourishing Minds fund. New this year, the first $10,000 donated to the Nourishing Minds fund will be matched by a community partner.

“Every student deserves to have a warm meal and basic essentials at the end of the day, and with support from our generous NC community, we can address food insecurity across our Niagara College campuses with confidence and resilience,” said Emily O’Connor, Development Officer.

On November 28, NC aims to raise more than $12,000 which will purchase 240 gift cards and help 240 students through Nourishing Minds. Since its inception, Nourishing Minds has issued over 8,200 grocery gift cards allowing students to purchase food, toiletries and other life essentials. In addition to gift cards NCSAC hosts the Rise & Shine program at both campuses (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) to provide breakfast items like yogurt, granola bars and juice to students on their way to class.

For info or to donate, visit donate.niagaracollege.ca/givingtuesday/.

ReuKnighted draws alumni to Welland Campus

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Alumni connections were in the spotlight as more than 100 gathered at the Welland Campus for ReuKnighted 2023.

NC’s biggest on-campus alumni reunion of the year, ReuKnighted, kicked off with a tailgate party on November 3 at The Core. The excitement continued on November 4 with campus tours and volleyball games versus Conestoga College.

The College community was encouraged to attend this year’s event, organized by Alumni Relations in collaboration with Athletics and Student Engagement.

“It is absolutely true that one cannot turn around in Niagara and not run into a proud Niagara College graduate,” said President Sean Kennedy to a cheering crowd at The Core during the tailgate party.

“In every sector, in every business, in healthcare, you name it, you’ll find a Niagara College graduate making a difference in the lives of our communities, operating our businesses, helping to support our communities in different ways  … Niagara College grads and our alumni are out there making a difference across Niagara, across Ontario, across Canada and – more than ever before  – across  the world.”

For the first time, this year’s tailgate also involved a team from the School of Culinary Arts who prepared and were on site to present a selection of fare for guests to enjoy. NC beer and wine were also available. In addition, Community Relations and Events collected donations for the Welland Food Drive.

A team from the School of Culinary Arts are ready to serve guests a taste of NC at the tailgate party.

“ReuKnighted 2023 was an outstanding success,” said Director, Alumni Relations, Jana Boniferro. “The pride in the room was palpable which underscores the incredible and special Niagara College alumni family we are fortunate to have.”

The event was a hit among attendees.

Mark Carl, Chief Executive Officer for Habitat for Humanity Niagara, attended the tailgate and noted he enjoyed the event.

“It was an honour to be back on campus at Niagara College. It was a delightful experience, to witness the students’ passion and energy to showcase their acquired skills and trades,” said Carl, who is one of NC’s 2023 Premier’s Award nominees. “It was truly inspiring to see how the campus has evolved, embracing new technologies and creating a better learning and over all student environment for all.”

Former NCSAC President Tom Price, who graduated from Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) in 2019, and currently works at the College in Enrolment Services said that, as an alumnus, it was great to ‘reuKnight’ with classmates, staff, and faculty that he connected with during his time studying, as well as to meet alumni who graduated during the eighties, nineties, and 2000s.

“It was impressive to hear their stories of what they have been up to and their personal and professional successes post-graduation,” said Price. “The event itself was fantastic. From the culinary students on site preparing a delicious menu, to the student beer and wine offerings, to the basketball games and volleyball games, to the campus tours, it was truly an all-encompassing event that highlighted what makes Niagara College so special.”

NC has surpassed 120,000 NC alumni.

 

A team from Community Relations and Events collect non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Welland Food Drive.

 

‘Thank you for your kindness’

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Students thank donors on Student Appreciation Day

Thank you for your kindness towards the college and us,” wrote international Business student Pranab Chapagai.

“Generous donors like you have a positive impact on students like me,” wrote Horticulture Technician student Sameet Patel.

“Thank you for putting a smile on our faces each morning,’ wrote Hospitality student Sabina Djotka.

There was an outpouring of gratitude at NC’s Development team table on Student Appreciation Day. What began as an initiative to thank students transformed into an opportunity for students to thank College supporters.

The team set up a table at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (outside of E102) on November 2 as part of a college-wide event, which offered students an assortment of treat giveaways and a chance for them to ‘pay it forward.’

Students had an opportunity to write thank-you cards to NC donors – specifically those who support NC’s Nourishing Minds Fund (through the Giving Tuesday initiative in November). Seventy-five students wrote cards to thank NC donors in just two hours.

A student takes time to write a thank-you card to donors to the Nourishing Minds Fund.

“I was blown away by the positive energy and enthusiasm during Student Appreciation Day,” said Emily O’Connor,  Development Officer who organized the initiative. “As a newer employee, it was great to interact with students and learn more about the programs they are taking or why they’ve chosen to attend NC. Many of them commented that they’ve participated in the Rise and Shine breakfasts that NCSAC puts on through the Nourishing Minds fund and when they found out they could thank donors and supporters of the program with a handwritten card, they were eager to give back.

“We underestimated how popular this activity would be and quickly ran out of cards and snacks within the first hour of being set-up.  Can’t wait to do it again!”

Students who wrote thank-you cards were entered into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the campus store. The winner was Stella Ng.

The notes will be given to supporters who donated to NC’s Giving Tuesday initiative last year, which raised  $9,250 for the Nourishing Minds Fund. Established by NC Student Administrative Council, the Nourishing Minds Fund addresses food insecurity by supplying electronic grocery cards to help students in need, to buy food, toiletries, and other life necessities.

NC plans to raise additional funds for Nourishing Minds Fund on Giving Tuesday 2023, which will take place on November 28.

Don’t miss ReuKnighted Nov. 3-4

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A limited number of tickets are still available for ReuKnighted 2023!

To be held November 3-4 at the Welland Campus (The Core), ReuKnighted is not only NC’s biggest on-campus alumni reunion of the year, it’s the perfect time for staff and faculty to connect with NC’s alumni community.

The entire College community is encouraged to attend this year’s event, organized by Alumni Relations, in collaboration with Athletics and Student Engagement.

The event will kick off with a tailgate party on Friday, November 3 at The Core (Welland Campus) beginning at 4 p.m. Guests can savour the tastes of NC  with a selection of fare prepared from the School of Culinary Arts including Crispy Mushroom Arancini (Smoked Tomato Sauce, Shaved Pecorino), Grilled Miami Cut Short Ribs (Ginger Emulsion, Candied Tai Chili, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Scallion), Pulled Pork Slider (Dill Slaw, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Cobb’s Brioche Bun), and Signature Alumni Pastry presented by Baking and Pastry Arts students. NC wines and beer will also be available.

At 6 p.m., the action will move to the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gym) for two basketball games versus Lambton College (women’s at 6 p.m., men’s at 8 p.m.). Post-game festivities will be held at The Core (9:30 p.m.).

The event will continue Saturday, November 4 – the same day as Fall Open House – at the Welland Campus with campus tours at 11 a.m., followed by women’s (1 p.m.) and men’s (3 p.m.) volleyball games versus Conestoga College.

Tickets

ReuKnighted tickets are $10 each, including access to the VIP tailgate party, one food token, one dessert token, and one drink token for the tailgate party (additional tokens will be available for purchase), as well as admission to games on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.

Children under 12 will be admitted free and the event will feature plus special activities for ‘mini Knights.’

The first 100 alumni to register for ReuKnighted 2023 will receive a gift from Alumni Relations.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here while supplies last.

Welland Food Drive  

Donations of non-perishable food items or cash will be collected at this year’s tailgate party for the Welland Food Drive. Items may be dropped off at The Core during the tailgate party or at the gym entrance during the games.

Don’t miss ReuKnighted Nov. 3-4

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A limited number of tickets are still available for ReuKnighted 2023!

To be held November 3-4 at the Welland Campus (The Core), ReuKnighted is not only NC’s biggest on-campus alumni reunion of the year, it’s the perfect time for staff and faculty to connect with NC’s alumni community.

The entire College community is encouraged to attend this year’s event, organized by Alumni Relations, in collaboration with Athletics and Student Engagement.

The event will kick off with a tailgate party on Friday, November 3 at The Core (Welland Campus) beginning at 4 p.m. Guests can savour the tastes of NC  with a selection of fare prepared from the School of Culinary Arts including Crispy Mushroom Arancini (Smoked Tomato Sauce, Shaved Pecorino), Grilled Miami Cut Short Ribs (Ginger Emulsion, Candied Tai Chili, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Scallion), Pulled Pork Slider (Dill Slaw, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Cobb’s Brioche Bun), and Signature Alumni Pastry presented by Baking and Pastry Arts students. NC wines and beer will also be available.

At 6 p.m., the action will move to the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gym) for two basketball games versus Lambton College (women’s at 6 p.m., men’s at 8 p.m.). Post-game festivities will be held at The Core (9:30 p.m.).

The event will continue Saturday, November 4 – the same day as Fall Open House – at the Welland Campus with campus tours at 11 a.m., followed by women’s (1 p.m.) and men’s (3 p.m.) volleyball games versus Conestoga College.

Tickets

ReuKnighted tickets are $10 each, including access to the VIP tailgate party, one food token, one dessert token, and one drink token for the tailgate party (additional tokens will be available for purchase), as well as admission to games on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.

Children under 12 will be admitted free and the event will feature plus special activities for ‘mini Knights.’

The first 100 alumni to register for ReuKnighted 2023 will receive a gift from Alumni Relations.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here while supplies last.

Welland Food Drive  

Donations of non-perishable food items or cash will be collected at this year’s tailgate party for the Welland Food Drive. Items may be dropped off at The Core during the tailgate party or at the gym entrance during the games.

Niagara College to host alumni reunion Nov. 3-4

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Tickets now available for ReuKnighted 2023

Niagara College is ready to roll out a welcome mat for its alumni community and rev up its school spirit for a one-of-a-kind reunion in early November: ReuKnighted 2023.

Organized by NC Alumni Relations, in collaboration with Athletics and Student Engagement, ReuKnighted is an opportunity for NC alumni to reconnect with their former classmates and the College community through social and athletic events at the Welland Campus November 3-4.

“We look forward to welcoming our amazing NC alumni back to campus for ReuKnighted 2023,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “Whether they graduated recently or decades ago, ReuKnighted is the perfect opportunity for NC alumni to return to their alma mater, reconnect with former classmates and members of our college community, and cheer on our NC Knights!”

ReuKnighted 2023 will kick off with a tailgate party on Friday, November 3 at The Core (Welland Campus) beginning at 4 p.m., before the excitement moves to the gym for two basketball games featuring the NC Knights versus Lambton College (women’s at 6 p.m., men’s at 8 p.m.). Post-game festivities will be held at The Core (9:30 p.m.). The activity will continue Saturday, November 4 at the Welland Campus with campus tours starting at 11 a.m. in front of the gym, followed by women’s (1 p.m.) and men’s (3 p.m.) volleyball games versus Conestoga College.

“Our Knights teams, over the years, have contributed to our strong culture. It will be awesome to see Knights alumni and show them how their legacy continues,” said Michele O’Keefe, Director of Athletics and Student Engagement.

This year’s event also involves a new partnership with the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, offering guests culinary fare cooked and prepared by students from NC’s School of Culinary Arts.

Tickets are now available for $10 each, including access to the VIP tailgate (with two food tokens and one drink token), admission to basketball games on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, and free parking. Children under 12 are admitted free (RSVP is still required with the accompanying adult) and there will be special activities for ‘mini Knights.’

The first 100 alumni to register will receive a gift from Alumni Relations. Those who purchase tickets before Friday, October 20 will be entered automatically into a draw for an exclusive NC Knights themed gift basket valued at $250.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here while supplies last.

The College will collect donations of non-perishable food items or cash at this year’s event for the Welland Food Bank. Items may be dropped off at The Core during the tailgate or at the gym entrance during the games.

This will be the third ReuKnighted event NC has hosted since ReuKnighted originally debuted in 2019.After a two-year hiatus, the annual alumni reunion event returned to campus last year.

Niagara College has an alumni community of more than 120,000 – and growing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

NC community: Tickets available for ReuKnighted 2023

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NC spirit promises to be on full display at ReuKnighted 2023.

While the annual event, organized by Alumni Relations, is an opportunity for NC alumni to reconnect at the Welland Campus, the entire NC community is welcome attend.

‘ReuKnighted is an opportunity for our NC alumni and friends to support our Knights, and it’s the perfect time for staff and faculty to connect with alumni,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “Everyone is welcome to continue this annual tradition with us, so come out and show your NC spirit!”

Tickets are now available for ReuKnighted 2023, which will kick off with a tailgate party on Friday, November 3 at The Core (Welland Campus) beginning at 4 p.m., before the excitement moves to the gym for two basketball games versus Lambton College (women’s at 6 p.m., men’s at 8 p.m.). Post-game festivities will be held at The Core (9:30 p.m.).

ReuKnighted will continue Saturday, November 4 at the Welland Campus with campus tours at 11 a.m., followed by women’s (1 p.m.) and men’s (3 p.m.) volleyball games versus Conestoga College.

Guests can savour the tastes of NC at ReuKnighted 2023 tailgate with a selection of fare prepared by students from the School of Culinary Arts. NC wines and beer will be available.

Tickets are $10 each, including access to the VIP tailgate, appetizers and refreshments, plus special activities for ‘mini Knights’ as well as game admission on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here while supplies last.

Purchase your tickets before Friday, October 20 to automatically enter a draw for an exclusive NC Knights themed gift basket valued at $250.

NC community: Tickets available for ReuKnighted 2023

/in

NC spirit promises to be on full display at ReuKnighted 2023.

While the annual event, organized by Alumni Relations, is an opportunity for NC alumni to reconnect at the Welland Campus, the entire NC community is welcome attend.

‘ReuKnighted is an opportunity for our NC alumni and friends to support our Knights, and it’s the perfect time for staff and faculty to connect with alumni,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “Everyone is welcome to continue this annual tradition with us, so come out and show your NC spirit!”

Tickets are now available for ReuKnighted 2023, which will kick off with a tailgate party on Friday, November 3 at The Core (Welland Campus) beginning at 4 p.m., before the excitement moves to the gym for two basketball games versus Lambton College (women’s at 6 p.m., men’s at 8 p.m.). Post-game festivities will be held at The Core (9:30 p.m.).

ReuKnighted will continue Saturday, November 4 at the Welland Campus with campus tours at 11 a.m., followed by women’s (1 p.m.) and men’s (3 p.m.) volleyball games versus Conestoga College.

Guests can savour the tastes of NC at ReuKnighted 2023 tailgate with a selection of fare prepared by students from the School of Culinary Arts. NC wines and beer will be available.

Tickets are $10 each, including access to the VIP tailgate, appetizers and refreshments, plus special activities for ‘mini Knights’ as well as game admission on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here while supplies last.

Purchase your tickets before Friday, October 20 to automatically enter a draw for an exclusive NC Knights themed gift basket valued at $250.