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'Paint the Town' pep rally brings Homecoming downtown

by John Greenhoe

Oct. 3, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of WMU pep rally.
Homecoming pep rally, Friday at Arcadia Creek
KALAMAZOO--A new pep rally event intended to invite the greater Kalamazoo community to join in Western Michigan University's Homecoming celebration will make its debut Friday, Oct. 7, at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo.

"Paint the Town Brown," is the theme of the free event that begins at 7 p.m. and will feature the WMU Bronco Marching Band, the annual student Yell Like Hell competition and introduction of the WMU Homecoming Court.

"We want to build on the great momentum of community connections created by our CommUniverCity event and other similar outreach activities," says Jim Small, WMU associate vice president for engagement. "We're inviting the entire community to join in the excitement that is Homecoming weekend."

The pep rally will be highlighted by remarks from WMU football coach Bill Cubit and the appearance of the entire Bronco football squad. Members of the 1966 Mid-American Conference champion WMU football team will also be in attendance and honored during the festivities.

The Paint the Town Brown rally coincides with the popular monthly downtown Art Hop organized by the Greater Arts Council of Kalamazoo. Art Hop participants are encouraged to stop in at the pep rally, which is expected to conclude around 8:30 p.m.

As part of the Homecoming Week celebration, numerous downtown merchants will participate in Paint the Town Brown festivities with spirit-themed displays that promote Bronco pride. Merchant displays will be judged by Art Hop patrons as well as a team of WMU students and key leaders, with the winners being announced during the Oct. 8 WMU Homecoming football game against Bowling Green State University.