The Homecoming Committee wants you pumped for the Northwestern-Minnesota game. From Sunday, Oct. 7, until Saturday’s football game, several events will celebrate everything there is to love about Northwestern: free food, philanthropy and parades. Many events are sponsored by other organizations, such as the Center for Student Involvement and Dance Marathon.
“Since Homecoming is about Northwestern and its students, we are trying to work with as many student groups as possible,” Nate West said, co-chair of the Homecoming Committee.
Here’s a rundown of what’s happening and where:
Sunday
CSI’s Make a Difference Day
Beginning bright and early at 9 a.m., all across Evanston and Chicago will be volunteer events — everything from feeding the homeless to planting trees. The event ends at 3 p.m. Participants signed up by Saturday, October 6th and affiliated themselves with a group (there were many preexisting ones to choose from, mostly based on dorms).
Paint the Town Purple
Northwestern student groups and Greek houses have painted the windows of local business (many downtown shops, and Ryan Field, are participating) with their best displays of school pride in this competition, sponsored by the Athletics Department. Whose was the best? That’s up to the students of NU to decide. The winning group receives $500.
Big Bite Nite
It’s like trick or treating without the costumes! Pick up designated bags at the Rebecca Crown Center, Whole Foods or The Plaza (at Davis & Orrington) and browse downtown Evanston’s restaurants for free tastes from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. At the same time, students browse the shop-window masterpieces of Paint the Town Purple and vote for their favorite.
Monday
Diner Night
Technically very early on Tuesday (it begins Tuesday at midnight and ends at 2 a.m.) there will be cheap eats at that greasy-spoon diner, Clarke’s, next to Burger King and Beck’s. It’s the perfect opportunity for a study break.
Tuesday
Entertainment Extravaganza
See some of the best performance groups at Northwestern and help out DM at McCormick Auditorium in Norris. At 9 p.m., Boomshaka, Thunk, Deeva Dance Troupe, the Ladycats, ReFresh, Brown Sugar and the Graffiti Dancers will take the stage with their best displays of movement, rhythm and spirit. The show costs $3, with all proceeds going to DM.
Wednesday
Homecoming Jeopardy
Beginning at 8 p.m. at Lisa’s Café, students can test their trivia prowess and practice making interrogative sentences. This event is sponsored by DM.
Thursday
Pie-Eating Contest
Meet at the Rock at 5 p.m. for a duel, at least of the whipped cream, key lime or apple sort. Students can eat pies alongside the Homecoming court and prove that their class is the best (and hungriest).
Friday
Pep Rally
The football team, the Ladycats and the marching band will congregate for a loud cheer at Cahn Auditorium before taking it to the streets. The pep rally starts at 7 p.m.
Parade and fireworks
Medill alum and co-host of TLC’s What Not to Wear, Clinton Kelly, will be the grand marshal of the parade down Sheridan Avenue. At 8 p.m., floats created by NU Greek houses and student organizations with roll down the street, with other guests of honor including the mayor of Evanston, Lorraine H. Morton, the cheerleaders and the football team. Fireworks at the Lakefill will follow the festivities.
Saturday
Northwestern vs. Minnesota
With the game kicking off at 11 a.m., the Wildcats will show those Gophers who’s boss. At least, that’s the plan. The Homecoming Committee hopes all that newfound school spirit will find its way onto Ryan Field.
The Homecoming Court will be crowned during halftime. West said, “Homecoming week is to increase school spirit, get people excited about Northwestern and reconnect Northwestern alumni to Northwestern and its students.”