Ball State University students booed and "aww"-ed when they were told the Homecoming bonfire would be called off Monday night because of the weather.
Students said they had mixed feelings about the cancellation.
Sophomore business major Matt Griffin said he was disappointed about not having the bonfire.
"They should have had one; it's pretty much the only reason I came here," Griffin said. "It's misleading to say 'bonfire' and not have one."
The football team, which was supposed to make an appearance during the event, was also a no-show.
Opening Day chairman Zachary Anderson said the Homecoming Steering Committee did not know the reason behind this. However, Anderson said about 500 people attended the event and they had a good turnout.
"Excluding the fact that the football team did not show up and the fact that the bonfire was canceled, the students are still showing school spirit," he said.
Anderson said the committee was also pleased to see students' rivalry after the Opening Day games. Teams played rematches and were "having a good time," he said.
The faculty/staff Homecoming king and queen were also announced at the event. Ball State crowned Anthony Kline as its king and Christie Zimmerman as queen. Kline is an instructor of elementary education, and Zimmerman is an assistant professor of dance.
After the coronation, the DJ played music and students gathered in a circle to dance.
Junior psychology pre-med major and Homecoming king candidate Chris Griffith said he was glad to see the students dancing and having fun together.
"The event was fantastic," Griffith said "I don't think they planned the dancing, so I think it's awesome that they came out and showed support."
Anderson said he thinks the upcoming Homecoming events will have a good turnout and more students will participate.
"There will be new themes and alterations," he said. "This will spark new interest in students. I predict a great week."
Griffith said he was pleased to see how students coped with the event's changes.
"Sometimes we think we are not the biggest school," he said. "But if you were here last night, you would have seen the enthusiasm and support."
This year's Homecoming will be different from others because of student participation, Griffith said.
"I expect the level of spirit to get bigger and bigger," he said. "Everyone is having a great time, despite the circumstances. It's something I haven't seen in a long time."
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