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Homecoming is a time of fun and celebration at colleges across the country. And this grand celebration is also—in some ways—a patriotic one.
America is the home of homecoming; indeed, homecoming celebrations originated in the early 1900s at places such as the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri. Football coaches, students and administrators at these academic institutions decided to supplement their football games with parties, parades, and other festivities. Into the 1920s and 1930s, more and more schools launched the homecoming celebration as an annual event.
Soon other homecoming competitions came to claim the spotlight from the traditional football game. At coeducational institutions, men and women competed for the positions of king and queen; others were named princes and princesses of the homecoming court. Events such as this one, along with the homecoming parade, draw spectators who may have no interest in football to the homecoming celebration.
Today’s homecoming parties, which take place in late September or early October, can feature fun activities like campus parties, banquets, tailgate and dance parties, fraternity and sorority soirees, elaborate pageants, and of course the classic homecoming parade; which features performances from the school band, colorful floats put together by students (both groups of friends and organized academic, sports and social clubs) and administrators, and appearances from the exalted king, queen and court.
Homecoming is a time to celebrate, not only one’s school and football team, but the richness of American history and celebrations. Plan the ultimate Homecoming Party today!
Share
the Homecoming
History with your
kids as a bedtime
story.
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