Homecoming invites alumni, friends to come home, Texas-style

Abilene Christian University welcomes back alumni and friends to campus this weekend, Oct. 15-18, for a "Texas Homecoming," celebrating the Lone Star State, with a western-themed carnival, fireworks, parade and more.

"We organize and plan many events throughout the year both on the ACU campus and in cities around the world, but Homecoming involves thousands of alumni at one time and allows our alumni to celebrate milestones in their relationship with ACU and each other," said Larry Musick, director of alumni relations and university events.

Schedule Highlights

• Carnival – Friday, Oct. 16, 5-8 p.m. The campus mall area will be transformed into a carnival, complete with county-fair type foods, games, large inflatable rides, face painting and other activities. The carnival is open to the public.

• JamFest – Friday, Oct. 16, 6-10 p.m. ACU's annual outdoor music festival will take place on the east lawn of the Hunter Welcome Center, with a fireworks display to follow. The concert and fireworks display are free to the public.

• Homecoming Parade – Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. Floats designed and built by students will wind their way around campus, and the Big Purple Band will perform as a part of the parade.

• Homecoming Chapel – Saturday, Oct. 17, 10:45 a.m. in Moody Coliseum.

• Pre-Game Party – Saturday, Oct. 17, noon. Buffalo burgers will be the main entrée at the pre-game party in the mall area of the campus center prior to the game against the Buffaloes of West Texas A&M University.

• Homecoming Football Game against West Texas A&M – Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium. The halftime show will feature the Big Purple Band, the 1999 "Coming Home Court" and the crowning of the 2009 Homecoming Queen.

• Homecoming Musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," – Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. The show centers on the roaring twenties in New York City.

For more information and a complete list of scheduled events, visit acu.edu/homecoming.