October 21, 2005 – Shirley Luna

Homecoming activities scheduled at SFA

Homecoming activities at Stephen F. Austin State University will prepare participants for football, as well as serving as a primer for Halloween activities.

"The theme for this year’s homecoming is So Good, It’s Scary," said Michael Preston, assistant director of student activities. "It is our hope that everyone will have a great homecoming with a “trick or treat” twist."

Homecoming T-shirts will be available for purchase for $10 at the SFA Ticket Office in the Birdwell Building or at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in the University Center.

Throughout the week, students will have an opportunity to volunteer and help make campus cleaner, feed their neighbors and give the gift of life.  The SFA Volunteer Program will sponsor a campus cleanup Monday through Thursday.

"Each day a section of campus will be the focus of the cleanup," Preston explained. "Students will report to the SFA statue at 3 p.m. for instructions from the physical plant."

On Tuesday and Wednesday, blood donors can participate in the Bleed Purple Blood Drive.  The drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Center Twilight Ballroom.

Throughout the week, non-perishable food can be contributed to the annual food drive by dropping off donations at the Birdwell Building.

A pre-bonfire pep rally will begin at 10 p.m. Friday at the Rusk Building. Glow sticks will be distributed and the torchlight parade through the campus to the intramural field will begin at 10:30 p.m. The bonfire and pep rally will begin at 11 p.m. and will feature fireworks and performances by the SFA cheerleaders, pom squad, band, homecoming court and football players.

The homecoming parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Thomas J. Rusk Elementary School. Parade participants can begin to line up at 8 a.m. in front of the school with assistance from parade marshals.

On their way downtown, the floats will be viewed by a panel of judges located at the Fredonia Hotel. First-, second- and third-place winners, along with the winner of a new award, will be announced at the game.

"This year, the People’s Choice award will allow spectators to vote on their favorite float," Preston said. "Ballots will be collected by parade marshals, and the winner will be announced at the game."