Now in its 21st year, the Elizabethtown College Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration has expanded. Events will be hosted throughout the entire weekend beginning Friday, Oct. 16.
Many of the College’s events will return as a part of the weekend, which, this year, is themed “Wonders of the World.” Some of the traditions include Homecoming Mad Cow show, parade and fair, departmental alumni reunions and the M.V.P. spectacular – which includes all campus a cappella groups: Melica, Vocalign and Phalanx.
This year will also see the return of #EtownHomecoming.
It’s a touchstone for all of us, a time that you can count on, that you can rest assured it’ll be there.”
The goal of Homecoming is to celebrate the greater college community, including alumni, retired faculty and the current campus population. Mark Clapper, director of alumni relations, said that in addition to these “tried and true traditions” several new events were added to further the goals of the weekend.
Along with the details that occur every year, such as the band or theme, the College has made changes to the schedule. Three new events that take place Saturday, Oct. 17, are the Young Center Heritage Festival, Book Signing Extravaganza and Homecoming Midnight Munch.
“We have a Homecoming that would be the envy of other colleges and universities,” Clapper said. “And we do that intentionally. It is supposed to be a weekend celebration of all the facets [of E-town.]”
Young Center Heritage Festival
This family-focused event takes place on the grounds of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. The festival aims to celebrate the history of the College, as well as its founding Brethren tradition. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, the Young Center offers participatory weaving, painting, old-fashioned games and a hymn sing. As well, craftsmen will be holding demonstrations throughout the event. The festival is open to campus community.
“It’s a throwback to these activities people used to do, that by our standards are low tech but are fun and help to build community,” Clapper said.
Three Authors, Four Works
Lisa Jakub, Jean-Paul Benowitz and Chet Williamson will sign copies of their books — Benowitz’s Elizabethtown College and Elizabethtown, Jakub’s You Look Like That Girl and Williamson’s Uniting Work and Spirit, A Centennial History of Elizabethtown College — at the High Library from 2 to 3 p.m.
In conjunction with this event and the 25th anniversary of the library, the Hess Archives will showcase past visiting authors, writing clubs and English professors. The archivist will be available to answer questions and document stories shared by those who visit the exhibit. This display will be open all weekend.
Homecoming Midnight Munch
This event is officially a tradition. Though not entirely new, the food truck festival, held for current students, on the Saturday evening of Homecoming, has become a standard part of the schedule. Held on Brinser Field from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., it features a wide variety of food to round out the day.
In addition to new events, many of the campus traditions have been revamped. The biggest example this year is the expansion of the Alumni Oktoberfest Party held Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. After a large turnout last year, this 12-year-old tradition is expanding to accommodate more people. Preregistration is not required, but it is encouraged. www.etownalumni.com
“It’s a touchstone for all of us, a time that you can count on, that you can rest assured it’ll be there,” Clapper said of Homecoming Weekend. “Some things will be familiar, but it will always be refreshed.”
For the full schedule of events and descriptions, visit http://www.etown.edu/homecoming/.