Traditional week begins with Homecoming Village

The second Homecoming Village was a first for some and a last for others.

For senior psychology major Aaron Graves, the Homecoming Village on Monday marked the beginning of his last Homecoming Week. 

“For me, it’s a great bonding experience with my fraternity even though I see them every day,” he said. 

The event began at 6 p.m. and took place on Martin Street between Riverside and University avenues. This year, the Homecoming Steering Committee added a mechanical bull to the available activities. Students also could try the zip line, photo booth and rock wall.

Graves said this year is special to him since it is his last year at Ball State, so he decided to brave the zip line. 

“At first, I was a little timid,” he said. “But then as I did it, I thought it was pretty cool.”

The event had speakers including senior wide receiver Connor Ryan, senior quarterback Keith Wenning, Athletic Director Bill Scholl and football head coach Pete Lembo followed by performances by the Code Red Dance Team, Ball State cheerleaders and the drumline.

Scholl said the football game against the University of Virginia was difficult, and the team needs student support at the Homecoming game. He said the against Kent State University also will be difficult.

DJ Johnson, a freshman telecommunications major, said the speakers and performers grabbed his attention.

“It was a very good way to kick off Homecoming,” he said. “It was probably one of the better kickoffs I’ve seen.” 

Jeremy Gentner, a sophomore psychology major, said he wished he had come last year to the Homecoming Village.

“There’s a lot of stuff to draw people in from the zip line — which I won’t go on — to the free food,” Gentner said. “It’s really well put together.”

There was a booth giving out free cotton candy and a booth had free cupcakes for the first 250 participants. 

Jimmy John’s offered free fountain drinks and Grandma Betty’s Ice Cream Shop offered $2 banana splits and $1 sodas.