UW Homecoming parade celebrates Wisconsin tradition

Legend says that on the eve of the first Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, the trophy went missing, and Bucky Badger organized a search party of thousands to march down State Street and find it.

The tradition continues under the theme “Legends of Bucky Badger” at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 8, on State Street beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at the Memorial Union.

The parade route includes the 600 block of Wisconsin Avenue, the 400 block of West Gilman Street, the 600 and 700 blocks of State Street, and the 500 and 600 blocks of Lake Street. Langdon Street will be closed to traffic from 3-8 p.m. The rest of the parade route will be closed to traffic from 5:30-8 p.m.

Homecoming Week kicks off at noon on Friday, Oct. 1, on Library Mall, where UW–Madison students can enjoy free food from Qdoba and live performances before the cardboard Barge Races on Lake Mendota. Community festivities begin with the Literacy Network Charity Run/Walk at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3.

Students will compete in daily Homecoming Week events, including a cross-campus scavenger hunt, trivia night, Badger Games, an air-band competition and a blood drive, as student organizations, residence halls, the Greek community and others seek to become the ultimate Homecoming champion.

On Friday, Oct. 8, alumni and students will hit the links with Bucky Badger at University Ridge for the Homecoming Golf Outing before grabbing a spot on State Street for the Homecoming Parade. A fireworks display will immediately follow (weather permitting) at the Memorial Union Terrace, and alumni are invited to a VIP view of the show at the All-Alumni Reception. Tickets for the reception can be purchased for $10 and include food and refreshments.

The week concludes on Saturday, Oct. 9, with the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Badger Huddle pregame tailgate at the UW Field House before the Badgers take on Minnesota in the storied Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

A full list of student and community Homecoming events and merchandise is available at http://uwhomecoming.com.

Homecoming events are organized by the UW Homecoming Committee, a nonprofit, student-run organization sponsored by WAA. The 55-member committee plans a week of exciting Homecoming events for students, alumni and the Madison community. Proceeds from events benefit local charities and university aid initiatives, most notably the Dean of Students Crisis Loan Fund and need-based financial aid.