Homecoming events to begin Sept. 28

September 2, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Homecoming events will begin on Sept. 28 with the Homecoming Pageant and will continue throughout October, ending with the Homecoming Alumni Barbecue on Oct. 25.

The Homecoming Pageant will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Phillips Center. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase from any pageant contestant, the Florida Blue Key Office or at the door. The Homecoming Pageant highlights influential female leaders at UF. The pageant is a way to show appreciation for all that these women have done to better the campus during their time at UF. This year, the Homecoming King portion has grown significantly and will feature dedicated male leaders on campus. The Homecoming Court will be announced at the pageant, while the Homecoming King and Queen will be announced during Gator Growl.

The Homecoming Carnival will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Flavet Field. The carnival will have a variety of classic carnival games, food and prizes for Gator fans of all ages to enjoy.

Soulfest is from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Reitz Student Union. Through international music, food and dance, Soulfest showcases the cultural and artistic diversity at UF. This free event will offer a variety of international music and food, and an opportunity to view the multicultural booths and fraternity and sorority exhibits. There also will be a talent showcase in which students will compete for the best in show.

Gator Gallop will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 24 at Percy Beard Track. Hundreds of students, faculty, family and children escort the Homecoming Parade every year with Gator Gallop. Gator Gallop is a two-mile run which immediately precedes the Homecoming Parade. Gator fans of all ages are invited to walk, roll or run as they follow part of the parade route down University Avenue. Proceeds will go to the University Athletic Association and awards will be given to both the overall male and female winners of the race. The cost of entry is $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event. Early registration can be completed at the Florida Blue Key Office or online at http://www.ufhomecoming.org. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on October 15. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 9:15 a.m. and only cash will be accepted.

The Homecoming Parade will occur between noon and 3 p.m. on Oct. 24 along University Avenue, between Gale Lemerand Drive and Main Street. Now in its 85th year, the UF Homecoming Parade is the largest student-run parade in the nation. Every year over 60,000 fans come out to see the spectacular parade floats that make their way down University Avenue. UF and SFCC student organizations, high school bands, local dance troupes, Florida politicians and countless others are welcome to participate in the parade festivities. The parade also will be filmed live and broadcast throughout North and Central Florida.

The Homecoming Alumni Barbecue will be held during the two and a half hours prior to kick-off on Oct. 25 at the O’Connell Center. The barbecue includes a variety of tailgate food including a vegetarian option and kid-friendly meals. This year, there also will be plenty of games to entertain the entire family with a children’s arts and crafts section. The event will offer plenty of photo opportunities with Albert and Alberta and there also will be appearances by the Florida Dazzlers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the University Box Office by calling 352-392-1653.