By Emily Duval
Samford University’s annual homecoming is this weekend – Oct. 31–Nov. 2 – and the schedule includes several events for the entire family, as well as some exciting changes this year, according to Molly McGuire, director of alumni programs and homecoming committee chair.
The family-friendly events kick off Friday with the “Halloween Spooktacular” sponsored by Samford’s Office of Greek Life. The event is from 4-6 p.m. in West Campus housing. Children can go “trick or treating” around each Greek chapter’s house or tent. The event is free and costumes are encouraged.
“With homecoming falling on Halloween weekend, the homecoming committee approached the Greek community about trick-or-treating in West Campus as a treat for alumni and their kids who come in early,” said Denny Bubrig, Samford’s director of Greek life.
Also on Friday, the annual homecoming concert and bonfire will be held in the east parking lot adjacent to Seibert Stadium and Seibert Hall. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and the featured artist will be the Nashville-based folk/roots band, Humming House.
The homecoming court will be presented at the bonfire, and the 2014 homecoming queen and king will be announced. The court also will be presented at other events throughout the weekend.
Dinner will be served to students with meal plans or to anyone else who would like to purchase a meal. All alumni, friends and students are welcome, McGuire said.
Samford’s A Cappella Choir will be performing during a Quad Sing Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the Harwell G. Davis Library steps. The group is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
A new homecoming tradition is starting this year. The homecoming parade will be replaced with display boards.
“On Saturday morning we will have boards set up around Ben Brown Plaza that 15 organizations will be decorating. At 9 a.m. judging will begin. The display winners will be announced at 10:45 a.m. during a short presentation in Ben Brown,” said Beth Roller, director of student activities and events.
There will also be a People’s Choice award announced at the football game, Roller added. Voting will be open from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Ben Brown Plaza.
The Bulldog Walk for the football team begins at 11:45 a.m. in front of Davis Library and will continue through Centennial Walk and around the Quad to Seibert Stadium. The walk will be led by the Samford Marching Band, cheerleaders and dance team.
Tailgating begins at 12 p.m. on the Quad, with more than 50 groups already scheduled to have tents and tailgate events.
Kickoff for the football game against Concordia College is at 2:00 p.m. Pregame events will begin at 1:30 p.m. Children age 12 and under will be admitted into the game free.
The Samford soccer team will host a second-round Southern Conference tournament match at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Samford Track and Soccer Complex. Game and ticket information is available at www.samfordsports.com.
Emily Duval is a journalism and mass communications major and a news and feature writer in the Office of Marketing and Communication.