University of Idaho junior Jose Lopez said his Homecoming week was focused on making friends and making memories.
“Honestly, it puts a perspective on what could have been if I was more involved in high school,” he said. “I think overall during college it’s more fun.”
This year’s theme is a millennial throwback: “Holla Back!”
The week kicked off Sunday afternoon with a field day full of events like giant Jenga, spikeball, cornhole and Connect 4.
Vandals participated in “Jingles,” a talent show and pep rally with skits by students and alumni judges, and a school supplies and blood drive. All events were organized by the Homecoming committee.
Students also “Vandalized Moscow.” Teams of students went to downtown Moscow to paint the windows of participating local businesses. Alumni judges voted for the best “Vandalized” painting.
Homecoming president Braydyn Proctor and vice president Nathan Tinno said student involvement was important this year.
“We’re just making sure that we communicate and everybody knows what they’re supposed to be doing, and you know, just being there for each other,” said Tinno.
Proctor encourages students to enjoy each minute throughout the week.
“You realize if you don’t participate in this stuff, you miss out on a lot of what college is,” he said
On Friday, there is a tripleheader of events.
Tap the Keg Craft Brew Festival invites Vandals and craft beer lovers for an evening of companionship, beer and food.
The event will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dan O'Brien Track and Field Complex. Tickets can be purchased at the U of I Homecoming website.
Immediately following that event, Serpentine and Vandal Rally starts at 8 p.m. at the U of I Golf Course. Students and alumni will meet and dance their way around campus, ending at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome Parking Lot.
The Vandal Rally will commence at 8:30 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome parking lot, with speeches from the Homecoming committee, Homecoming royalty, and head football coach Thomas Ford.
The night will conclude with a fireworks showcase in the Kibbie Dome parking lot at 9 p.m.
The Homecoming Parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday in downtown Moscow on Main Street. At 2 p.m., the Vandals football team will battle against Northern Colorado inside the Kibbie Dome.
Brian Vega is a Voces intern working in NWPB’s newsroom. Voces Internship of Idaho is an equity-driven internship program that strives to bring in new and needed voices to Idaho's news landscape by opening doors for young Latino Idahoans to get professional paid experience to kick-start their careers.