The Pen TRIO (left to right) Phillip O. Paglialonga, Eric Van der Veer Varner, Nora Lewis took the stage at the Souers Rectial Hall in the Center for Performing Arts. (LENO DAVIS)
The Miami University homecoming board is aiming to bring the fervor and excitement back to the Oxford campus this week with a host of activities, junior co-chair of the homecoming board Allison Gnaegy said.
"Homecoming week used to be the highlight of the fall semester for classes of the 80s and 90s, and we're really trying to work our way back to that," Gnaegy said.
Monday night got the fun rolling with a kickoff celebration for the festivities at the Hub.
Wednesday, the Alumni Association is cosponsoring free coffee and doughnuts for early risers between 8 and 9:30 a.m.
On Thursday from 1 to 4:30 p.m., students can look for the annual Reds Fest on Roudebush Lawn where there will be inflatable games, hot dogs and lemonade, the second round of homecoming voting and a raffle for a plethora of goodies.
Friday evening, students can follow the homecoming parade from Millett Hall, to Uptown Park starting at 5:30 p.m. Once they get Uptown, they can explore a carnival called "Land of Ox." The carnival will feature face painting, free food, giveaways and a bounce house.
After sunset, students can stick around to see "Oz the Great and Powerful," on a giant inflatable screen.
All the festivities culminate on Saturday with the homecoming game against Akron. The hype will start at Tailgate Town on Millett's lawn at 11 a.m. and will continue until the football game kickoff at 1 p.m.
Football will not be the only sport on display on Saturday. After the game, the Athletics Department is hosting a barbeque at 6 p.m. behind of the Goggin Ice Center encouraging the student body to stick around and watch the hockey game at 8 p.m.
Director of Alumni programs Michelle Rosecrans said homecoming is a classic college experience.
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"Participating in Homecoming activities can teach you a lot about the place that will one day be your alma mater, plus it's a great way to interact with alumni and express your school spirit," Rosecrans said.
First-year student Aaron Weeks didn't know that Miami had Homecoming festivities but said he was excited to discover them.
"When I heard people talking about all the great activities there were it really got me spirited and energized," Weeks said.
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