Homecoming Week Wrap Up: What happened and what’s next

Alexandra McCray

Between classes, clubs and activities it can be easy to miss all the homecoming events that are lined up for this week.

Here is a rundown of what has been happening and what’s to come for the rest of the week.

On Monday, organizations had the chance to participate in Paint the ‘Boro Blue, by painting homecoming-themed designs on windows of local businesses to gain spirit points.

Later that night, students had the opportunity to enjoy authentic cuisine from around the world while learning about different countries at the International Kick Off, which was inspired by the Epcot Center at Disney World.

And the last event on Monday was GSU Idol. Students had the opportunity to compete in the on-campus singing competition.

On Tuesday, organizations sculpted for the hungry by creating Disney-themed displays out of cans that they had collected. The cans used will be donated to local food banks. The displays are located in the Russell Union.

“We got some of our cans from members, and we had a Halloween dance and the money that we raised from that bought some of them and the Zeta group gave us a lot of our cans. They were a big, big help,” Kristen Flippio, Swing Cats Society president, said.

Later Tuesday night, comedian Lil Duval came to perform on campus as one of the biggest homecoming events this week.

“Lil Duval, he’s hysterical. I’ve seen him on ‘Girl Code’ and ‘Guy Code,’ so that will be really great to see him live,” Jordan Conway, Delta Tau Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma homecoming candidate, said.

During the day on Wednesday, there was the Be a Hero Blood Drive, which gave students and faculty the chance to be a hero for the local community.

Last night, the reigning Mr. and Ms. Georgia Southern hosted the Doo Dah/Step Show competition. Various organizations competed in different categories for spirit points and prizes.

“Doo Dah was my favorite event last year and I think it will be my favorite again this year. Like for ‘Sculpt it for the Hungry,’ it’s really great to see everyone use their creativity for Georgia Southern spirit,” Errol Spence, Student Government Association and Alpha Delta Pi homecoming candidate, said.

Today, the Biggest Fan on Campus Tailgate will take place at Sweetheart Circle from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students and community members are invited to stop by and enjoy grilled food, games and music as organizations compete for the title of Biggest Fan on Campus.

Tomorrow, the Homecoming parade will begin at Allen E. Paulson Stadium and end in Sweetheart Circle starting at 4 p.m. Student organizations, campus departments, and members on the Statesboro community will have floats that they have decorated, along with Krazy Cars and characters.

“I’m excited for the parade on Friday. That’s what I’m most looking forward to, they have a lot of events lined up and it’s great to culminate the end of homecoming with the game and a great way to acknowledge all the hard work the candidates and organizations have put it. It’s a celebration, of Georgia Southern, our spirit and all the accomplishments we’ve made throughout the week,” Spencer said.

A Magical Celebration will take place after the parade at 5 p.m. in Sweetheart Circle. The celebration will consist of      live music, activities and food, and will follow with the announcement of the 2013 homecoming court and crowing of the duke and duchess and winners of this year’s spirit point competition.

“All the candidates are great and I like that Homecoming is more about the tradition and activities and less about the competition between all of us,” Conway said.

There are also events that have been happening all week and will continue until Friday such as voting. Students can log onto MyInvolvement and vote for their Homecoming Court choices.

Students can also exchange a shirt that isn’t GSU-related for a homecoming shirt for free.  Students who don’t have shirts to swap but still want to get a homecoming shirt, can purchase them from the University Programming Board for $2

Homecoming week will come to a close on Saturday when the homecoming king and queen will be crowned at the football game against Western Carolina University, which will begin at 2 p.m.