Most of University of Idaho’s in-person homecoming events have been cancelled or made virtual, according to UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker.
An email sent to UI offices planning to participate in Vandal-ize Moscow, an annual competition where individuals decorate on- and off-campus spaces according to each year’s theme, stated all in-person events except the fireworks show have been cancelled for the fall.
“In this last day or two since we found out about the increase of (COVID-19) activity on campus in the Greek houses going on quarantine, we decided in order to protect and maintain the Healthy Vandal Pledge that we should probably move to all-online events,” Kristi Overfelt, assistant director of the Office of Alumni Relations, said.
While Walker said she did not know why this decision was made, the email stated it was due to rises in COVID-19 cases and students in isolation, quarantine and lock-down.
In the email, Overfelt stated a “Homecoming Part Two” may be held in the spring instead. If this plan moves forward, Overfelt hopes football, Serpentine, the bonfire and other traditional events will be included.
Additional virtual events are in the works for next week’s schedule, the email and Walker said. According to an updated Homecoming schedule from Overfelt, in-person Homecoming Royalty crowning, Photo Scavenger Hunt, Vandal-ize Campus and Vandal-ize Moscow, Jingles videos and Most Vandalized Fan TikTok competition, TowerLights, the Staff Faculty Alumni Cookie and Coffee event and the Stationary Parade are cancelled.
The Photo Scavenger Hunt has been replaced with a Virtual Vandal Scavenger Hunt 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Homecoming Royalty will be crowned over a livestream 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Kick Off Video livestream, Vandal Virtual 5K Fun Run, food drive, blood drive, Virtual Student Trivia Night, Virtual Alumni Trivia Night, Virtual Faculty/Staff Luncheon, Moscow Farmer’s Market, Soil Stewards Fall Festival, Drive-in Movie and Idaho Central Credit Union Fireworks Extravaganza will continue. The fireworks show will allow in-person attendees and will be livestreamed.
“Everybody is extremely supportive,” Overfelt said. “(The alumni) are very appreciative of us being cautious and keeping the health and safety of our Vandal family in the forefront of our minds.”
Further information regarding Homecoming 2020 can be found on the Homecoming website and Facebook page.
Cody Roberts and Kim Stager contributed to this report.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]