Attendees at Friday’s event to celebrate the University of Windsor’s takeover of the former Windsor Star buildings will be entertained by a band of music students.

The jazz group the Udder Guys—house band at the Milk Coffee Bar—will be playing while students and alumni, faculty and staff, and community members gather for a mass crowd photo in front of the buildings at the corner of Pitt and Ferry streets in downtown Windsor.

Holly Ward, chief communications officer, encourages attendees to dress warmly and to wear any appropriate Lancer gear they have, or even blue and gold clothing.

“We will also have a limited supply of Lancer foam fingers,” she says, “but if you have one at home, please bring it!”

A Tim Horton’s franchise will provide free coffee, hot chocolate and Timbits to participants; a number of area restaurants are offering lunch specials. Find a full list on the event’s Facebook page.

Photographers and videographers will be on hand to record the historic moment at noon; buses will shuttle students, staff and faculty from Vanier Circle starting at 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., and will return to campus every 15 minutes after the photo session ends at approximately 12:15 p.m., until 1:45 p.m. In addition, the Lancer bus will leave from the Human Kinetics Building at 11:30 a.m.

Participants wishing to stay downtown after the last UWindsor shuttle departs may catch the Transit Windsor bus the Transway 1C at the central terminal. Bus fare is $2.50.

Renovations will begin in the new year to transform the former Windsor Star complex into space for programs in social work and the Centre for Executive and Professional Education. Similar group photos will be taken in the armouries and bus depot once those properties are ready for transfer to the University. View a map of downtown parking.