Homecoming events inspire student participation

Dylan McManis

The Grand Homecoming began Oct. 18 with Bods on the Avenue and since then has been followed by the Top Hat competition, Homecoming Ball and the Ichabod Race.

For those who aren’t familiar with the homecoming week’s details, here’s a quick summary.

Bods on the Avenue is an event that features Washburn themed decorations in various storefronts in the Topeka community. This is an annual community event held by the businesses surrounding the Lofts at College Hill at 17th Street and Washburn Avenue.

The top hat competition is a fundraising auction event where student groups and organizations submit a custom-made themed hat tailored to their assigned decade. Students vote for their favorite hat by putting change into the corresponding jar. They also have the option to pay $50 for the “Buy It Now” price, which allows the student to keep the hat after homecoming week concludes. 

The Homecoming Ball was held at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Washburn A/B room of Memorial Union. During the dance the homecoming nominees and court candidates were announced. Within the Homecoming Court there are ten candidates, five female and five male. Students are encouraged to vote for their top two candidates in the Memorial Union sometime this week or online at mywashburn.edu. The Homecoming King and Queen will be revealed during halftime at the football game Oct. 24 in Yager Stadium. 

Students participated in the Ichabod Race at 7 p.m. Oct. 20. This race consisted of three to five member teams running around campus completing random challenges and solving riddles. A wide variety of student groups were represented during the event.

However the Grand Homecoming isn’t over yet, there are plenty of events planned before Saturday including Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 in Mabee Library and Yell Like Hell at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in Lee Arena.