Parade, game welcome alumni

Students will start their Homecoming weekend celebration with a spirit walk at 5:30 p.m. today on Manchester Field. The walk will end with a pep rally on Risman Plaza. The spirit walk will begin weekend Homecoming events for students.

The Ninth Annual Bowman Cup 5K Race for Ability starts tomorrow’s events at 6:30 a.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. A portion of the proceeds from the Second Annual 1-Mile Walk and Roll at 8 a.m. before the Bowman Cup will be donated to the Special Olympics, according to the Department of Recreational Services’ Web site.

Homecoming Events: Today, October 9 &bull 4 p.m. Rededication of Oscar Ritchie Hall at Oscar Ritchie Hall. &bull 5:30 p.m. Spirit walk and pep rally starting on Manchester Field. Tomorrow, October 10 &bull 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. Registration for Bowman Cup at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. &bull 8 a.m. Second Annual 1-mile Walk and Roll at Student Recreation and Wellness Center. &bull 8:30 a.m. Ninth Annual Bowman Cup 5K Race for Ability at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. &bull 9 a.m. Prentice Gate Rededication at the gate on the corner of Lincoln and Main streets. &bull 9 a.m. Alumni Breakfast and parade viewing at the Williamson Alumni Center. &bull 9 a.m. Alumni Memories – Videotaping in honor of centennial at the Williamson Alumni Center. &bull 10 a.m. 2009 Homecoming Parade on Midway Drive. &bull 1 p.m. Flash Fan Zone at Tailgate Alley at Dix Stadium. &bull 1 p.m. Centennial Squirrel Decorating Contest Judging at Tailgate Alley at Dix Stadium. &bull 3:30 p.m. Homecoming football game – Bowling Green Falcons vs. Kent State Golden Flashes at Dix Stadium. &bull 8 p.m. Roe Green Visiting Director Series presents “14” at Wright Curtis Theatre in the Music and Speech Building.

Participation in the race costs $25 for those who aren’t preregistered.

Alumni will receive a warm welcome at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Williamson Alumni Center. Alumni will be able to reminisce and record their Kent State memories on video as they eat breakfast.

“We don’t turn one hundred every year,” said Nancy Schiappa, alumni relations associate director. “It’s a point in time and history that’s very exciting.”

From the Williamson Alumni Center, alumni will watch the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. on Midway Drive.

Students can eat lunch at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Tailgate Alley outside Dix Stadium at Flash Fan Zone. The event will also include Centennial Squirrel Decorating Contest Judging. Admission to the event is $10.

“Various students, faculty, local businesses have purchased (squirrel statues) and have decorated them,” said Emily Vincent, university media relations director. “This Saturday they’re going to be showcasing all the squirrels and having people cast their votes for their favorite squirrel decoration.”

Homecoming events will build up to the football game against Bowling Green University at 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium.

Weekend events include activities for students, alumni and community members, said Schiappa.

Contact on-campus entertainment reporter Tyler Norris at [email protected].