NAU’s Homecoming festivities begin next week with the theme “AXEcents of NAU: Louie’s Top 99.”
The week’s events offers something for everyone—from Tuesday’s dedicatee banquet honoring business communication instructor Mary Bowers to Thursday’s Traditions Day carnival at Observatory Field, followed by the annual Mr. Lumberjack Pageant and a bonfire. And Homecoming at NAU would not be complete without the parade downtown and a football matchup against Big Sky Conference rival Montana.
A complete Homecoming schedule, including various college events and other reunions, is available online.
Among the highlights:
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Homecoming Dedicatee Banquet
6 p.m., High Country Conference Center
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Mary Bowers, business communication instructor and director of the Business Communication Center in The W.A. Franke College of Business, was selected Homecoming Dedicatee by leaders of student organizations from across campus for her dedication to providing exceptional service to the university and students. The campus community is invited to a banquet in her honor, where the 2011 Homecoming king and queen also will be announced. Tickets are $8 for students and $16 for non-students. For advance tickets, contact the Associated Students of Northern Arizona University at (928) 523-4971, or visit the ASNAU office in the University Union, room 206.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Homecoming Traditions Day Activities
4-10 p.m. Observatory and Hilltop Fields
- Carnival on Observatory Field, 4-10 p.m.
Free fun for students, $1 entry fee for alumni, friends and family. This year’s carnival features a bungee station, mechanical bull, laser tag, gravitron and more. Bring your NAU ID.
- Tug-of-war contest, 5 p.m. Observatory Field
- Chili Cookoff, 5-6 p.m. Observatory Field
Students are strapped in to the gravitron for a sunset ride at last year’s carnival.
- Mr. Lumberjack Pageant, 6:30 p.m. Observatory Field
For nearly four decades, the NAU Kayettes have hosted this Homecoming tradition where student contestants take the stage to show their school spirit. Contestants compete in arms, talent and question-and-answer categories. The winner receives a prize package that includes a variety of gift certificates from local businesses and earns a spot with the Kayettes in Saturday’s Homecoming parade through downtown Flagstaff.
- Bonfire, 8 p.m. Observatory Field
Saturday, Oct. 22
- Café au Louie, 9 to 11 a.m., Zane Grey Ballroom at the Hotel Weatherford
Join NAU alumni for breakfast and meet this year’s inductees to the Blue and Gold Club and the 2011 Alumni Award winners. Adults $9, children $5. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (888) 628-2586 or alumni@nau.edu.
- Homecoming Parade, 11 a.m., downtown Flagstaff
The perennial favorite starts at the corner of Elm and Beaver streets. - Tailgating and Football Game, Skydome
The Lumberjacks take on the Grizzlies from Montana in a key Big Sky Conference matchup. Kick-off is 3:05 p.m. Buy tickets online or contact NAU Central Ticket Office at (928) 523-5661.