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New, free events key part of WMU Homecoming festivities

by John Greenhoe

Oct. 1, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of WMU Homecoming celebration.
Homecoming is Oct. 3-9
KALAMAZOO--A Friday night community pep rally and a Saturday pregame entertainment village, both free and open to the public, provide new wrinkles for Western Michigan University's annual Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 3-9.

"Go Big or Go Home" is the 2011 Homecoming theme and the week's festivities are highlighted by "Paint the Town Brown," a new pep rally event scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Arcadia Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo. "Paint the Town Brown"--which celebrates the traditions of yesteryear in a communal setting--is free and open to the public and will include the Bronco Marching Band, the annual "Yell Like Hell" student competition and remarks from WMU football coach Bill Cubit.

The Corral Entertainment Village, which made its debut Sept. 17 prior to the Central Michigan football game, returns from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Robert J. Bobb baseball stadium, leading up to the 2 p.m. football contest against Bowling Green State University. There is no admission charge for The Corral, which includes music performances, a mechanical bull and a kids' activity village.

The Corral creates a fun "Wild West" Bronco experience for all ages, complete with pony rides, the Meijer Virtual Mobile Playground and an inflatable bounce castle for children, live entertainment will be headlined by the WMU Marching Band and will be complemented by food and beverages for purchase from various local restaurants.

Included in the Corral are tents featuring the WMU Bookstore and representatives from University offices serving alumni and members of the WMU family. Information about upcoming events will be available at those tents. Triumph, a live version of the WMU Bronco mascot who leads the football team onto the field each home game, was a popular draw at the initial Corral and will return for photo opportunities.

Student activities precede the weekend events, including the Qdoba Homecoming Kickoff at 4 p.m. Monday at Goldsworth Valley Pond and the Soapbox Derby at 2 p.m. Friday on Gilkison Avenue.

Other Homecoming events

For additional information about these and other Homecoming activities, visit wmich.edu/homecoming or mywmu.com/homecoming.