Maggie Collins

Arts and Entertainment Editor

It is finally that time of year again for a tradition dating back to 1982: homecoming at UNCG! This celebration is many students’ favorite event because of all the fun activities held within one short week. Alums also greatly enjoy the weekend as they return to a place they consider home and spend time with old friends, reminiscing on their time as Spartans.

Homecoming events this year began yesterday, Oct. 16, for students and will commence for alums on Friday, Oct. 20. All the events will end at noon on Sunday, Oct. 22. UNCG has stated that this will be the best homecoming yet and will still include all the favorite traditions along with some new activities. 

On Thursday, students can participate in blacklight dodgeball from 4-7 p.m. in the EUC Cone Ballroom. There will also be a photo booth, air plants, giveaways, and more. The dodgeball winner will receive a special grand prize. 

The traditional weekend homecoming events begin Friday. A Career and Connections with Black Alums gathering runs from 5:30-7 p.m. in the School of Education, room 118. While it is a student-focused event, there are limited reservations for alums. To register, go to bit.ly/gblackalum. 

Later in the evening is the famous bonfire held at Kaplan Commons from 8-10 p.m. UNCG will provide glowsticks and entertainment before the lighting. This event is one that every UNCG student should experience at least once. The cascading bonfire takes only minutes to grow hot enough to make students slowly back up as it grows seemingly taller than the front of the EUC.

After the bonfire, there will be a Dance the Night Away party in the Cone Ballroom from 9-11 p.m. with $400 cash prizes, a photo booth, UNCG swag giveaways, and more. DJ Trizzy and DJ Dwayne will provide the music. 

Saturday is full of various entertaining events. The Kaplan Center for Wellness has an open gym from  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Black Alumni Network Family Reunion is from noon to 3 p.m. in the UNCG Quad. The big Block Party follows, running from 4-6 p.m. at the Kaplan Commons and including activities for children, students, and alums. Balloon animals, face painting, crafts, and more will entertain the younger visitors. There will be a prize wheel, DJ, food and drink, and campus organizations for everyone else. The day ends with the UNCG Men’s Soccer game at 7 p.m. against Mercer University. 

Homecoming events conclude Sunday with the UNCG Women’s Soccer game at 2 p.m. against Virginia Military Institute. Whether this will be your first or fourth homecoming (or anything in between), take some time away from the stress of classes, grab a couple of friends, and join in on the Spartan Spirit this week!