September 17, 2009

Homecoming deadlines approaching

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- “Showtime at Southern” is fast approaching and now is the time to sign up to be part of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2009 Homecoming celebration.

Homecoming festivities kick off Oct. 5 and culminate with the parade, tailgates and more on Oct. 10. The Salukis take on the Illinois State University Redbirds in the Homecoming football game, set for 2 p.m. Oct. 10.

Coronation for the 2009 SIUC Homecoming queen and king is set for halftime. The clock is ticking for University students to apply to be a part of the homecoming court. You can find the application, eligibility requirements and more online at www.spc4fun.com/commitee_homecoming.asp.

There have been a few changes involving the Homecoming court this year and the most obvious is that there will be online voting. The deadline to have completed applications at the Student Programming office (with a copy submitted electronically as well) is 4 p.m. Sept. 22.

Homecoming organizers are also now accepting applications for the big annual Homecoming parade set for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10. Line-up begins at 8 a.m. with the parade order determined by when entrants arrive. Individuals, campus groups and community organizations can participate. The five parade entry categories are: marching units, car/truck units, equestrian units, small floats (less than 30 feet long) and large floats (those 30 or more feet in length).

You can find details about the parade and entry forms online at http://www.spc4fun.com/commitee_homecoming.asp. The entry deadline for the 2009 homecoming parade is Wednesday, Oct. 7.

“Showtime at Southern!” is the theme of this year’s homecoming celebration. SIUC alumnus/comedian/activist Richard “Dick” Gregory and wife Lillian are grand marshals for the Homecoming 2009 parade. The complete Homecoming events schedule is coming soon. For details, check the Student Programming Council Web site at www.spc4fun.com, call 618/536-3393 or keep an eye on the Saluki Times.