Contact: Harriet Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Several fun-filled, family-oriented activities are fast approaching as part of this weekend's Homecoming festivities at Mississippi State, with the annual parade launching the events Friday [Oct. 22] at 5 p.m.
The parade will proceed down University Drive from Nash Street to the Junction, according to Margaret Claire Walker of the MSU Student Association.
"This year, we are including a Little Bully's Walk in the parade. We're extremely excited about this, and all children are invited to participate," Walker said.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is asked to wear maroon and white to celebrate the "Wrap It Up in Maroon and White" homecoming theme. All participants for Little Bully's Walk are asked to be on the Hunter Henry Center front lawn at 4:45 p.m. to join the parade as it enters campus.
A spirited pep rally will begin in the Junction at approximately 5:30 p.m, followed by Bulldog Family Frenzy at the Amphitheater from 6-9 p.m. Along with inflatable jumpers, games, food and live music, the 2010 Homecoming court will be on hand to take pictures with families and children.
"One of the main goals of the Student Association is to encourage the community's involvement in university activities, and participation in these events is a perfect way for everyone to have fun and support the Bulldogs," Walker explained.
Events culminate on Saturday with the Bulldogs meeting the Blazers of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, at 6 p.m. in Davis Wade Stadium.
Also, now through Saturday, the Student Association is sponsoring a canned food drive. Donations, including boxed non-perishable items, can be dropped off in the Student Association office in Colvard Union, Room 314, or at the United Way of North Central Mississippi office, 1016 Hwy. 25 South in Starkville. The drive benefits Helping Hands Ministries' Adopt-a- Family program, which works to meet the needs of more than 100 local families.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.