By Tiffany Boles
Ohio University celebrates Homecoming this year with added festivities and events for alumni, students, faculty and community members. The annual event will be held Oct. 11 to 13.
This year's theme, "Coming Home," inspires a sense of unity and family in bringing together Bobcats and fans of the past, present and future. Exciting improvements have been made this year including the Alumni Awards Gala being free and open to the public; the parade route changing; and the creation of the Festival by the Green, a street fair featuring food, crafts and entertainment.
Events get underway Thursday evening as the Marching 110, cheerleaders and football team create excitement and spirit at the 4th annual "Yell Like Hell" pep rally sponsored by the Student Alumni Board. It will be held on the front steps of Baker University Center. All are invited to come and cheer on the Bobcats as they get ready to take on Eastern Michigan Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium.
The big weekend opener will be the Alumni Awards Gala at 8 p.m. on Friday at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Formerly held at Old Nelson Dining Hall, the new venue allows more guests now that the awards ceremony is free and open to the public. This black tie event celebrates the service and accomplishments of alumni and the special contributions of non-alumni. Hors d'oeuvres will be served beforehand at a 6 p.m. reception for a small $35 per person reservation fee. Those interested in the reception are urged to call 593-4300 for reservations. A complimentary dessert buffet immediately will follow the program.
Homecoming also will feature a new event "Festival by the Green," a street fair offering food, entertainment and crafts at the closing of the parade, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12. This is an excellent opportunity to taste some of Athens' finest cooking and shop the handmade goods of local craftspeople.
Visit www.ohiou.edu/homecoming/ for more information including a schedule of events.
