[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Weddingdn1.jpg” caption=”Weddings are just some of the many events that happen on campus over the summer. “]From Gregorian chanting and dragon boat racing to weddings and alumni reunions, the University has a lot going on when most classes aren't.

“The summer is a surprisingly busy time for McMaster,” explains Dianne Carment of Conference Services. “We have a very diverse group of visitors even over the summer.”

Diverse may be an understatement. The gamut of guests runs from Hamilton Police Services, who visit McMaster throughout the summer to train, to the Gregorian Institute of Canada, who are gathering on campus for chanting workshops and concerts. You might also find a celebrity or two wandering around, as film and television crews often work on campus.

Other guests have included the Lively Dragon, a local dragon boat club, the Society for Creative Anachronism, a historical reenactment group and Laidlaw International Inc., who gathered drivers from all over Ontario to practice their techniques in McMaster's parking lots.

McMaster's sports facilities rarely get a break during the summer months as they are used by a number of athletes, from Olympic gymnasts like Jason Burnett and Karen Cockburn, who visited the University in May for the National Gymnastics Championships, to elementary school children learning to swim at one of McMaster's many summer camp programs.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are also among those who have graced McMaster's fields in the summer, holding their training camp at Ron Joyce stadium. While on campus the coaching staff, players and future CFL stars stayed at Les Prince Hall and dined at the Commons Building.

Still, there are some students-those in summer school or completing post-graduate degrees-on campus. Meaghan Horgan, an MBA candidate in the DeGroote School of Business, has been in school since the fall and is continuing her studies throughout the summer.

“It is certainly a lot quieter over the summer,” said Horgan. “But with fewer bodies around there is more flexibility to use resources like the library and the gym.”

McMaster residences, which are available for rent from May 11 to August 14, offer an affordable alternative to hotels in the area. Guests usually include researchers, alumni, conference goers and wedding parties. Summer rates can be accessed here.

For more information, check out Conference Services at conference.mcmaster.ca.