Yesterday marked the first day of what could be the best week of the year, according to all the flyers posted around campus at least.
Homecoming Week kicked off with a week-long scavenger hunt during which students will scuttle around campus searching high and low for the secret location of Charlie Cardinal. This activity is a new addition to Homecoming Week and the grand-prize winner receives the honor of performing the coin-toss on Saturday's game. It's a silly grand prize if you ask me, but one that will inevitably garner a few obsessions, so kudos to whoever wins.
Some of the next activities include Tuesday's Talent Show and Air Jam on Thursday, both of which will prove as exciting and side-splitting as watching William Hung audition on "American Idol." Personally, I just hope nobody starts off with "She Bangs," but I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more than a few Napoleon Dynamite dances. Air Jam also will see the unveiling of the Homecoming king and queen who will have the chance to ride the Homecoming royalty float during Saturday's parade. These two events will draw crowds that should rival the actual game Saturday and I'm sure we'll see just as many strange and outlandish characters present to their respective venues.
Wednesday night should prove interesting as the two remaining flag football teams from Sunday's preliminary tournament face off in the first ever Ball State flag football championship game for the brand new flag football trophy. This is a new event to Homecoming Week, replacing last year's Music on McKinley. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top and gains the trophy, so good luck to both teams.
Friday, we will see the return of one of the most unusual events of the week: the annual Bed Races down Riverside Avenue. This is by far one of the most bizarre events I've ever heard of for a university Homecoming Week, but, since it's a student favorite, I'll jump on the wagon. Besides, to think I'd miss seeing a bunch of dressed up 20-year-old students run a bed down the middle of a street is ridiculous. My respects to the participants and to the winners and lets hope nobody gets hurt.
Saturday - oh Saturday - who can forget about the Homecoming Parade leading up to the big game. With plenty of student floats, even more bands and a wide range of unforgettable costumes and organizational spirit, this year should be one for the books. The earlier kick-off required an earlier and shorter parade than previous years, but hopefully this won't discourage paradegoers and lets hope this weather holds out and we can get some sun that day.
Last but not least, we have the game. With Ball State football already at 0-4, let's all look for a mark in the win column. Toledo will prove to be a formidable opponent and the guys will need all the support they can get from the faithful fans. Schuemann Stadium should be packed and with plenty of alumni present we need to show our school pride not just Saturday, but the whole week.
So students, put on your red and white, bring out the face paint and have a hella good week.
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