The university will serve up a week of fun, food and football as students, alumni and Bulldog fans celebrate Homecoming through Nov. 3.
“Bulldog Pride Worldwide” is the theme of this year’s festivities sponsored by the Student Homecoming Committee, a division of University Union. Activities include events for students throughout the week, the Homecoming Parade, reunions and social events for alumni and the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.
Festivities began at midnight Oct. 28 when students gathered for street painting on Sanford Drive. Other student events during the week will feature games, music, dancing, food, giveaways and T-shirt sales. Activities include the Homecoming Extravaganza on Oct. 29 on the Tate Student Center Plaza; the Brumby Beach Bash Oct. 30; the Homecoming block party Oct. 31 on Legion Field; and a showing of the movie Friday Night Lights Nov. 1 on Legion Field. All student events are free; more information is available online (www.uga.edu/union/events.htm).
Larry Munson will be grand marshal for the Homecoming Parade on Nov. 2, which will step off at 6 p.m. and wind through downtown Athens. Led by the Redcoat Marching Band, the parade will include floats, displays and appearances by Uga VI, the UGA cheerleaders, athletes and university and Athens dignitaries.
In addition to the parade there will be a Dawgs After Dark carnival on Legion Field. The carnival will be held from 6–11 p.m. Students will vote online during the week to choose the Homecoming King and Queen from among 10 students on the Homecoming Court. The king and queen will be crowned during halftime of the Georgia-Troy football game in Sanford Stadium Nov. 3.
Several schools and colleges will hold alumni events and the UGA Alumni Association will sponsor a “Destroy Troy” barbeque Nov. 2 from 6:30–9 p.m. at the Wray-Nicholson House. The event is open to all alumni. Admission is $30 ($20 for members, $12 for students and free for children age 12 and younger).
Entertainment includes John Dunn and the Jazzmen, the cheerleaders and Hairy Dawg as well as a bounce house and children’s games. Details are available by e-mail, wdarden@uga.edu.