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UF News University of Florida

Homecoming events include Soulfest, pageant, parade and Growl

September 27, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida Homecoming announces the finalized event schedule for this fall, including the culminating celebration of Gator Growl on Nov. 8.

“Footprints of the Swamp,” the 90th year of UF Homecoming, is composed of nine events in anticipation of the Nov. 9 Homecoming game vs. Vanderbilt. Events for this year include:

Soulfest:

4:30 p.m. Oct. 26, O’Connell Center

Soulfest, presented by Publix, is a live multicultural extravaganza with organizational tabling, free food and live performances, all celebrating the variety of cultures and unique backgrounds within the Gator Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/UFSoulfest

Talent Night:

7 p.m. Oct. 27, Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Talent Night, presented by IRHA, is an annual talent show that gives UF
students and the rest of the Gainesville community an opportunity to show off their many skills and compete for a chance to perform at Gator Growl 2013.

Homecoming Pageant:

7 p.m. Oct. 29, Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

The Homecoming Pageant, one of the longest standing traditions at UF, highlights the most outstanding male and female leaders on campus. The top three men and women will be announced at the pageant and the Homecoming King and Queen will be revealed in front of thousands at Gator Growl.

https://twitter.com/UFHCPageant

Education Celebration:

3 p.m. Nov. 3, Flavet Field

Education Celebration recognizes distinguished teachers and faculty who have had an outstanding impact on students’ academic careers. The student nominated award winners are revealed at Education Celebration.

Gator Jazz & Blues Fest:

2 p.m. Nov. 3, Flavet Field

Gator Jazz & Blues Fest is a live concert on Flavet Field that features many fine arts student groups. Formerly known as Swamp Symphony, the revamped Gator Jazz & Blues Fest will not only display the talent of students, but local artists’ work as well.

SunTrust Gator Gallop:

11:30 a.m. Nov. 8, Percy Beard Track

SunTrust Gator Gallop is a 2-mile fun run that escorts the homecoming parade, beginning at the Percy Beard Track, continuing through University Avenue, and ending between SW 2nd and 13th Street.

Homecoming Parade:          

Noon, Nov. 8, University Avenue

The Homecoming Parade features student-built floats, local bands, dance teams, campus celebrities and prominent UF faculty. The Homecoming Parade stretches two miles down University Avenue, and is second to Gator Growl in size.

Homecoming Barbeque at Gator Nation Tailgate:

Two and a half hours prior to kickoff, Nov. 9, Emerson Alumni Hall

The Homecoming Barbeque at Gator Nation Tailgate welcomes all UF Alumni and their families, UF students, and the Gainesville community to enjoy delicious barbeque and family friendly games and entertainment.

Gator Growl:                        

7 p.m. Nov. 8, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Still reigning as the largest student-run pep rally in the nation, Gator Growl 2013 will feature The Fray, Sister Hazel and New Directions Veterans Choir. In addition to these performers, UF athletes, student performers and special guests will entertain at this year’s “Footprints of the Swamp” Gator Growl. Tickets for Gator Growl are available at http://www.gatorgrowl.org/tickets.

On social media, search #UFhomecoming for more information, and visit the following pages: