Things get spooky at ESU for Homecoming
By Kyra Strobel, ESU Media Relations student writer
Things are getting spooky at Emporia State University, as students prepare for “A Haunted Homecoming 2009” and the many new and exciting events that come with it.
This year the Student Homecoming Committee will have a Haunted Homecoming Discount Button Program. They will raise funds for next year by selling discount buttons for $1 each. Anyone who purchases a button will be able to take advantage of discounts at 18 Emporia businesses during the week of homecoming. These buttons are available to purchase at Wheat State Pizza, Caribbean Sun, Pyramid Pizza, the Center for Student Involvement, and the Memorial Union Bookstore. Both community members and students are encouraged to purchase buttons.
Homecoming activities will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 24 with “Thrill the World,” a world-wide tribute to Michael Jackson. “Thrill the World” is an annual event that involves people all across the world taking part in the famous Thriller Dance. The event has a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. This year the ESU Swing Society decided to get involved. The Swing Society will teach the dance beginning at 3 p.m. and everyone will perform it at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
Two days later on Oct. 26, E-Zone is sponsoring Whitewash. Whitewash is an event where semi-washable paint will be painted on part of the Pedestrian Mall around Morse Hall. Students, faculty, staff, and community members will all be invited to come create a piece of art on a portion of the sidewalk pertaining to their ESU spirit, an organization, Homecoming, business advertisement, or even just your name or family. Anyone can decorate their square of campus for $1.
Wednesday, the ESU Society of Public Historians will bring back an old ESU tradition, Ghost Tours. Society members will lead students, faculty, staff, and community members through campus sharing old campus legends and ghost stories. Tours will start at 7 p.m. in front of Plumb Hall with tours leaving every 10 minutes.
On Friday, Oct. 30, the Homecoming Bonfire & “Yell Like Hell” will take place. Union Activities Council will sponsor this long-standing ESU tradition. During this event, students cheer for the Homecoming candidates, and get pumped up for the games with speeches from athletic coaches and performances by the spirit squads and Dynasty. This event will begin at 8 p.m. in Wilson Park on campus.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, there are many events downtown and on campus. At 7:45 a.m. the Emporia Farmer’s Market will sponsor a pumpkin decorating contest. They will also be selling their goods from 8 a.m. until sellout. From 9-11 a.m. the Granada Theatre will show free Saturday morning cartoons and hold an open house. Also, during normal business hours many Commercial St. businesses will have candy available for children to trick-or-treat.
At 10 a.m. the Haunted Homecoming Parade will begin. This year, the Student Homecoming Committee and the Program to Improve Emporia have been working very hard to promote participation. This parade will feature university organizations, community groups, schools, Homecoming Royalty and ESU alumni. The parade begins at 4th and Commercial St. and ends at 12th and Commercial St.
Entry forms are still available online and in the Center for Student Involvement on campus, but must be turned in by Friday, Oct. 23. Community members, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to participate.
Game-time is 1 p.m. Sat. Oct 31 at Welch Stadium. The ESU Hornets will take on the Missouri Western Griffons. Recognition of Outstanding Recent Graduates, Distinguished Alumni, and the Royalty Crowning will take place during the game.
For more information about A Haunted Homecoming 2009, visit: www.emporia.edu/homecoming.
Last Updated October 22, 2009>