Written by: Cole Edwards

Get your face paint, blow horns and school spirit ready, VSU students. Homecoming 2013 is upon us. Events will begin Monday and will continue until Saturday’s game against the Florida Tech Panthers.

In a letter posted on the VSU website, President William McKinney wrote that this year’s Homecoming is especially important because it comes at a time that the school is celebrating its 20th year of achieving university status, as well as the 50 year of integration in the school.

Monday morning will kick off with a Sidewalk Chalk Contest on the Palms Quad until noon. Student organizations will create art displays on the sidewalk that incorporate the Homecoming theme. First, second and third place winners will be chosen, and prizes will be awarded at the Homecoming pep rally later in the week.

There will also be a Spirit Sheet-Sign Contest on main campus at the same time. Like the Sidewalk Chalk Contest, winners will be announced during the pep rally.

The Residence Hall Video Competition will take place that evening in the Langdale/ Georgia Courtyard. Each residence hall’s staff will create a video representing their hall, and the videos will be screened for students and alumni to vote on their favorite.

On Tuesday there will be a t-shirt exchange behind West Hall at noon. Students are encouraged to bring gently worn t-shirts from other universities or colleges in exchange for a VSU 2013 Homecoming shirt.

VSU Student Night at Wild Adventures takes place Wednesday evening. Students must present their VSU student ID for admittance into the “Terror in the Wild” Halloween activities. Buses will run between the park and campus starting at 5:30 p.m. with last pick-up at 9 p.m. Pick-up will be at the Oak Street lot on the Sustella end.

Thursday evening brings the President’s Cookout on Reames Field. This is open to both students and alumni, who are invited to join the president and first lady. The cookout is free of charge, but registration is required.

This event will be followed by the “Blacklight with the Blazers” pep rally at the PE Complex with appearances from the VSU football players, Blazin’ Brigade, cheerleaders and Red Hots dance team. Admission to this is also free and requires no registration, but attendees are encouraged to wear white clothing to help cheer the Blazers on to victory against the Florida Tech Panthers on Oct. 5.

The pep rally will be followed by the Battle of the Bands in which students, faculty, staff and alumni will fight to win the title of best band on campus with some impressive prizes. Bands interested in registering should contact the Office of Student Life at 229-333-5674.

You can log on to the Homecoming website now to register for any specific events you or your organization is interested in.

Be sure to grab a Spectator next week to see what the second half of Homecoming Week has to offer, as well as photos from the first half.

Monday, September 30

Until Noon: Sidewalk Chalk Contest – Palms Quad – Open to Student Organizations

Until Noon: Student Organization Spirit Sheet Sign Contest – Main Campus – Open to Student Organizations

7:30 p.m.: Residence Hall Video Competition – Langdale/Georgia Courtyard – Open to Student Organizations

Tuesday, October 1

12 p.m.: T-Shirt Exchange – Behind West Hall in the new seating area – Open to Students Only (Lasts until all t-shirts are given out)

Wednesday, October 2

6-11 p.m.: VSU Students Night at Wild Adventures – Wild Adventures Theme Park – Open to Students Only (No Guests/No Children)

Thursday, October 3

6-7 p.m.: President’s Cookout – Reames Field (Next to PE Complex) – Open to Students and Alumni

7-8 p.m.: “Blacklight with the Blazers” Pep Rally – PE Complex – Open to the Public

8 p.m. – Battle of the Bands – PE Complex – Open to the Public