Home Sweet Homecoming
By Olivia Beal
In the fall in Murray, there is one event that brings parades, the roar of crowds, the squeals of forever friends seeing each other for the first time in a long time. Yes, October in Murray brings something everybody can enjoy, not just alumni, but anybody interested in the people and activities in America's Friendliest Small Town. It's Homecoming at Murray State University!
Homecoming is a time that brings everyone in the Murray community together. Alumni travel far and wide to be reunited with their cherished college memories and friends. Homecoming weekend is truly a celebration of Murray State.
This is one of the most anticipated weekends of the school year. Organizations spend weeks preparing for homecoming and all of its various events. The most popular homecoming events are the parade on main street, tent city, and the football game.
Each year there is a theme for homecoming, mainly surrounding the various floats for the parade. This year’s theme is Star Wars and the community can’t wait to see how all of the floats are decked out in their Star Wars ideas.
Homecoming is not just for the Murray State community, but the city of Murray participates in the festivities as well. Being around Halloween, kids from all over Murray come to the parade with their families to receive candy from the college kids participating in the parade. After the parade, the biggest tailgating event of the year takes place on the football field. The treasured Murray State tradition of Tent City, where alumni come back, old and new, and the whole Murray State community is together again.
A contestant for homecoming queen, Emma Piepenbrok described her Murray State experience as something she has always wanted. This university has opened a lot of doors, especially for Emma.
“Having this honor is more than I could ever ask for,” Emma Piepenbrok said. “I cannot wait for the best time of the year.”
There is something about homecoming that makes everyone feel welcomed. Murray State is such a friendly school that people enjoy coming back to. Our traditions are what make our current students and alumni excited and wanting more.
With the homecoming parade starting early in the morning, the bustles of the streets start the excitement of the day. Leading into our massive tailgating events on the football field.
Of course, there would be no homecoming without football. This game is one of the most attended games each year in Murray State football history.
This is where homecoming king and queen are crowned, and our fighting football team defends our honor and takes on a game with the famous Racer One by their side.
Former homecoming queen nominee and current Ms. Murray State University, Maggie Moore, feels that homecoming is the best time of the year. Fall is in the air, and so are the racers.
“I love Murray State and all the amazing people it’s given me,” Maggie Moore said. “There is nothing like this family and I will be forever grateful to have been a part of it.”
As this anticipated weekend grows closer, it seems that everyone is getting busier. Hotels are preparing for all of their guest, various campus organizations are preparing for their floats and tents, and local businesses are stocking up on all of the homecoming needs.
As the whole town counts down to homecoming, students and alumni everywhere are anxiously preparing for our favorite Murray State tradition. The best time of the year is finally here, and no one could be more excited.
