Homecoming 2001 offers events for entire family

Homecoming is a great time of year to be in Madison, and students, alumni and local residents will enjoy a carefree, “fun-in-the-sun” atmosphere during this year’s Badger Luau.

Festivities kick off with a campus cleanup on Friday, Oct. 19, to ready the campus for the more than 20 events planned throughout the week, including many that have been created with families in mind.

“Homecoming is a great time for the entire community to celebrate UW–Madison,” says Homecoming co-chair Jim Strode. “We have activities like the parade down State Street and fireworks on the Memorial Union Terrace that are perfect for families and take place on campus, as well as events like the Coloring Contest which involve area children through the schools and their homes.”

Traditional events such as the Charity Run/Walk, Celebration of Cultures and, of course, the football game against Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 27, are ideal opportunities for parents and children to enjoy Homecoming together.

The schedule of events:

Sunday, Oct. 21
— Charity Run/Walk, noon. The race begins at noon on Sunday in front of the Memorial Union and includes a 5K run and a 3K walk that wraps around campus via Langdon Street, State Street and Observatory Drive, finishing at Memorial Union.

— Multicultural Celebration of Cultures, 1 p.m., Library Mall. Several multicultural groups from campus give performances ranging from dancing to yoga.

Friday, Oct. 26
— Parade, 6 p.m. The parade will set up on Langdon Street and proceed down State Street, finishing at the corner of Park and State streets. We’re planning for 70 parade entrants and thousands of spectators.

— Awards presentation and fireworks, immediately following parade. Homecoming Week festivities will go out with a bang at this fireworks show. Arrive at the Terrace early to get a good seat.

Saturday, Oct. 27
— Football Game. The Badgers take on Michigan State.