It has become one of the many mid-fall traditions at Harvard: the leaves change, midterms arrive and hundreds of first-years give up a little of their newfound freedom and independence for Freshman Parents' Weekend.

The crowd wandering around Harvard Yard was decidedly more middle-aged yesterday, as parents began to arrive for the festivities planned for today and tomorrow.

Events including Faculty discussion panels, museum tours and opportunities to attend classes and entertainment events for parents interested in finding out where their $35,000 tuition payments are going.

"We look forward to giving parents an introduction to what their kids do every day," said Harvard College Parents Association Director Julia G. Fox. "I encourage parents to go to some of the performances this weekend, particularly the first-year production of 'Arcadia.' "

Among the many performances this weekend are two shows by On Thin Ice, an improvisational comedy group.

"We may have to tone down some of the humor for the adult audience, but it will be nice to show my parents I am actually doing something worthwhile here," said the troupe's lone first-year, Robert J. Dubbin '04.

Recently-arrived parents like K.C. and Becky Crahan, parents of Tom Crahan '04, said they were happy to see what everyday life at Harvard is like.

"We are going to Tom's Chinese class, and we'll spend time with him," said K.C. Crahan. "Although we are wondering why there isn't a home football game this weekend."