Anticipation rises as Homecoming Week begins today and runs through Saturday, Oct. 5. The theme, “Where Vandal Dreams Come True,” will fill the campus with magical moments and familiar faces, setting the stage for an unforgettable week.
The festivities kick off today, with students invited to gather at the Tower Lawn for games and Goose chase, a competitive scavenger hunt. “Vandalize Moscow,” where businesses on Main Street volunteer their windows for students to paint designs based on the theme, will also take place.
The spirit of “vandalizing” continues Tuesday as faculty “show off their spirit by vandalizing their offices,” according to event organizers. “This is a competition, and they get extremely competitive—who wouldn’t want those bragging rights?”
The 70-year tradition of the annual blood drive with the American Red Cross will take place Tuesday and Wednesday in the TLC. In addition, a school supplies drive will run throughout the week, providing another opportunity to give back.
On Wednesday, teams will compete in Jingles, skits performed for a panel of alumni judges. The event is open to all.
As alumni begin to arrive Friday, the festivities heat up. The Oktoberfest Tap the Keg event will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. for patrons 21 and older, offering various alcoholic drinks and snacks. Later, the most vandalized fan will be announced at the women’s volleyball game.
At 8 p.m., the much-anticipated Serpentine will wind through campus. Led by the marching band and spirit squad, students will march through the campus, building a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The procession will end at the Kibbie Dome, where the Homecoming Committee will crown the student royalty.
Though there won’t be a drone show this year, as last year’s sponsor was unable to participate, planners are working to bring it back next year. Fireworks will light up the Kibbie Dome parking lot at 9 p.m.
The grand finale of Homecoming Week takes place Saturday, Oct. 5, with a tailgate, the 116th Homecoming Parade and the annual football game. The day will feature live music, socializing and plenty of school spirit. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so attendees are encouraged to purchase them soon.
The week’s events are organized by the Student Alumni Relations Board and the Homecoming Committee. According to Homecoming President Xochitl Perez, work for the event began just weeks after last year’s celebration. Advisor Claryssa Baker, who helped guide the planning process, said, “There is no better feeling than seeing all the students and alumni having fun and rallying together to support each other.”
Macy Gilbert can be reached at [email protected]