Homecoming is an event that comes around every year, rain or shine, often without question as to why or where it came from.
Baylor University claims that homecoming originated at their school in 1909, however, alumni from the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri contest that declaration.
One of the first traditions established for homecoming was a snake dance, where students would make their way through lines in a parade that ended at a bonfire.
Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce can expect to continue the tradition of a parade the morning of the big game. All entry forms for organizations that want to be represented in the parade with a float must be turned in to the first floor of the Memorial Student Center by Oct. 13.
Although the parade route will not be decided until the end of this week, the community can plan for a 10:30 a.m. start on Saturday, Nov. 1. Local high school bands as well as the Pride Marching Band are being invited to provide the musical atmosphere for this upbeat gathering. Last year was the first year the parade was brought back since it was removed from the homecoming schedule after interest faded.
“We did some research to see who would want to do the parade and an overwhelming amount of students wanted to bring it back,” Stephanie Peebles, special events coordinator for alumni relations said.
Last year, the parade hosted 40 different community and campus organizations, and they hope to increase that number. The Student Government
Association promises to be at every homecoming event, which members feel is very important for building school spirit.
“The theme this year is ‘Feel the Pride,’ and it’s a major avenue for you to show your true pride for your university by going all out,” Byron Johnson, president of SGA said.
Another common tradition for all universities during homecoming week is the annual bonfire. It’s a chance to marvel at the awesome power of fire, which tends to fit in with the somewhat primitive idea of men running into each other at a football game.
“Even though the public can see us perform at football games and at indoor concerts, the bonfire is a chance for them to see us up close. We can interact and feed off the energy of the crowd, and the alumni can see the band playing on a more personal level,” Matt Renfro, a sophomore member of the Pride Marching Band said.
Non-traditional homecoming activities can also include blood drives, sand sculpture building, and for some schools, losing countless games. A&M-Commerce is branching out with an alumni golf tournament on Friday Oct. 31, and a Hot Dog Spirit Rally the Wednesday afternoon before the game.
The schedule will be posted on the University home page next week.