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Homecoming adopts Mardi Gras theme

October 13, 2000 By

Red Badger beads, New Orleans brass bands, confetti and Mardi Gras-style masks will be just some of the festive elements of Badger Homecoming 2000 Oct. 15-21.

Members of the university community and their families are encouraged to participate in the week’s activities organized around a “Madtown Mardi Gras” theme.

Here are some highlights:

  • Sunday, Oct. 15: The annual Charity Walk/Run to raise money for the Dean of Students Crisis Fund starts at noon in front of Memorial Union. Registration ($15) begins at 10 a.m. on Library Mall. At 3:30 p.m., there will be “A Celebration of Cultures” on Library Mall, featuring entertainment and information booths provided by several student and community organizations.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 18: “Red & White Day.” From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., anyone wearing Badger colors can get free Badger Mardi Gras beads on Library Mall. Celebrants can buy Homecoming shirts and view Homecoming banners created by student groups. At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a pep rally at Camp Randall Stadium will feature the traditional “Yell Like Hell” competition, as well as appearances by the Marching Band, the spirit squad, football coaches and players.
  • Thursday, Oct. 19: At 8 p.m. enjoy a free Homecoming concert on the Memorial Union Terrace featuring Phat Phunktion.
  • Friday, Oct. 20: The annual Homecoming Parade features dozens of units, including the Marching Band, Bucky Badger and floats decorated by Greek houses, residence halls and student organizations. It begins at 6 p.m. The route is Wisconsin Avenue to Gilman Street, Gilman to State Street, and State to Lake Street. Michael Feldman, popular host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Whad ‘Ya Know?,” will serve as the grand marshal.

    After the parade, at about 7:30 p.m., the Homecoming awards ceremony will be held on the Memorial Union Terrace, followed by a fireworks display over Lake Mendota.

And there’s always the football game Saturday, Oct. 21, at Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin vs. Purdue, starting at 11:10 a.m. There’s pre-game football fun with the UW Marching Band and a live radio broadcast at Union South, starting at 9:10 a.m.

A 60-member UW Homecoming Committee, which is sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, plans all of the events and activities. All proceeds raised throughout the week are donated to the Dean of Students Crisis Fund. Since 1988, the UW Homecoming Committee has donated over $120,000 to this fund.