It’s that time of the year when students, alum and many associated with University of Idaho come together to celebrate all it means to be a Vandal — Homecoming Week.
University of Idaho’s 2017 Homecoming Week will take place Oct. 1-7. Homecoming is traditionally a week-long event for students and alumni to recognize and celebrate UI traditions.
The theme for this year, “Under the Big Top,” was inspired by the visual correlation between the Kibbie Dome and a circus tent and all of the activities associated with a circus, said Lise Welch, homecoming committee chair. She said the theme was decided on due to numerous factors the Homecoming Committee took into account, including general university administration desires, the range of activities and popularity among Homecoming Committee members.
Welch said planning for Homecoming Week began well in advance.
The planning process for this year began October 2016. General ideas for a week full of events were circulating during committee meetings in the spring, though most of the in-depth planning was completed during the fall semester.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, the 68th Annual Blood Drive kicks off, as well as window painting, where students are invited to paint windows of certain businesses in Moscow, Welch said.
On Tuesday, departments on campus will be judged as part of the decorating contest. Results will be announced later in the day at the faculty and staff alumni luncheon.
Wednesday, Welch said all are invited to watch the Vandal Jingle skits prepared by fellow vandals in order to promote homecoming spirit.
The Food Drive Pick-Up and Fish and Wildlife Film Festival are both Thursday. On Friday, the blood drive will continue as well as the display of living group decorations. At 8 p.m. the Serpentine Parade and Homecoming Bonfire will begin. During the bonfire, homecoming royalty court is announced. The Serpentine and bonfire will be followed by the Latah Federal Credit Union fireworks and the TowerLights display.
According to Welch, the Serpentine and bonfire, which take place Friday, are some of the most popular homecoming events among students. Welch said she sees it as an essential part of the homecoming experience.
“I think the main event for homecoming is the Serpentine and bonfire,” Welch said. “It’s my favorite event and so many people come out. I think if there’s any event you’re going to go to for homecoming it should be Serpentine and bonfire.”
On Saturday, the 109th Annual Best Western Plus University Inn Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Then, at 2 p.m., the Vandal football team will take on Louisiana-Lafayette.
Freshman Mike Frei said he is excited to experience all of the Homecoming Week events for the first time on a college campus. Frei said he believes homecoming is a great way to increase school spirit and for new students to meet friends and get involved in the Vandal family.
“I am very excited to experience my first Vandal homecoming and become a part of the traditions that have been going on for years,” Frei said. “I’m most looking forward to the bonfire, football game and scavenger hunt because it’s a great way to meet new people.”
For more information about individual homecoming events go to: https://www.uidaho.edu/events/signature-events/homecoming
Elizabeth Marshall can be reached at [email protected]