Nothing brings out the Vandal spirit quite like Homecoming Week at the University of Idaho, a time when students, alumni and members of the community all gather in celebration.
During the 109th annual Homecoming, students and alumni gathered to celebrate with a fun and expressive theme, “Under the Big Top.”
The theme would be incorporated throughout the week for the events coordinated by the Homecoming Committee.
Events found on the Homecoming 2017 schedule included “Yell like Hell,” window painting, campus decorations, jingles competition, the serpentine, a bonfire, parade and the UI football game.
Fraternities and sororities compete, racking up points based on their performances of the week according to Homecoming Advisor Mia Goodwin.
“Wednesday is jingles, which was really fun because it was my first time attending and I had to judge it, so that was kind of cool,” Goodwin said.
Such performances bring the community together to enjoy the spectacle and to share a laugh.
Friday night is the serpentine, led by the University of Idaho Marching Band. The march begins at the President’s House and proceeds to the Kibbie Dome parking lot, where a large bonfire is held.
“It was fun to do the giant serpentine as a campus to celebrate us,” said UI student Andrew Stevens.“That’s what’s cool, the high energy, high spirit, it brings us all together,” Goodwin said.
Past, present, and future Vandals gathered around the bonfire to burn the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns’ flag, as well as announce the Homecoming king and queen.
Homecoming king and queen for the 2017 year were Austin O’Neill and McKenzie MacDonald.
“Most of our alumni are back. Their RVs are usually back in their spot for the football game,” Goodwin said.
The parking lots are filled and everyone is out to show their support for the Vandals and have a good time.
At halftime, the Homecoming Committee usually announces the winners of the competitions throughout the week, but this year it was posted on the Homecoming Facebook page with Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and Alpha Gamma Rho taking home first place.
Jaime Ellis can be found at [email protected]