'Journey through the Decades' is theme for Homecoming activities

Homecoming activities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be Sept. 28 through Oct. 4. This year's theme is "Journey through the decades," with a focus on the 1950s to 1990s. A number of events are free and open to the public. A schedule follows.

Sunday, Sept. 28: 6 p.m. -- Block party at the Nebraska Union, City Campus, featuring comedian Melissa Rauch from VH1's "Best Week Ever."

Monday, Sept. 29: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. -- East Campus Blood Drive, Great Plains Room, Nebraska East Union, East Campus; 8 p.m. -- Monday Night Live and Stroll Off. Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.

Tuesday, Sept. 30-Thursday, Oct. 2: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. -- City Campus Blood Drive, Centennial Room, Nebraska Union.

Wednesday, Oct. 1: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. -- Homecoming King and Queen student election, in person at Nebraska Union, Nebraska East Union or Campus Recreation, or vote online via WAM accounts.

Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 2-4: Class of 1958 Reunion. For more information, visit www.huskeralum.com/programs/reunions/index.htm.

Friday, Oct. 3: 4-6 p.m. -- "Come on Home" gathering at the Wick Alumni Center and Holling Garden, 1520 R St., featuring Valentino's pizza, Pepsi products, games and prizes for children and adults, 2008 Homecoming Royalty candidates, Husker Pep Band and Spirit Squad; 6 p.m. -- Homecoming Parade. Chancellor Harvey Perlman is grand marshal for this annual event, hosted by the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska. A pep rally featuring the Cornhusker Marching Band, spirit squads, Homecoming royalty candidates and a number of student organizations will directly follow the parade outside of the Temple Building, 12th and R Streets. The pep rally will also feature the Bathtub Dogs a cappella group. Parade route: Starts at 14th and Vine streets, east on Vine Street to 16th Street, south on 16th Street to R Street, west on R Street to 12th Street, ends in the Lied Center loop.

Saturday, Oct. 4: 5-7 p.m. -- Homecoming Huddle, music, refreshments, door prizes and entertainment, plus deejay Craig Estudillo, presented by the Nebraska Alumni Association at the Wick Alumni Center and Holling Garden, 1520 R St.; 8 p.m. -- Homecoming football game vs. Missouri, Memorial Stadium (crowning of Homecoming king and queen at halftime).

Week-long events: "Give Big Red," The first-ever Nebraska Alumni Association Homecoming Blood Drive. While UNL students are hosting their annual campus homecoming blood drive, alumni are invited to be a part of the tradition by donating at a blood bank in their home communities. For more information, or to report a donation, visit donor.don8bld.org/alumni. "Office display contest," ASUN student government hosts an office display contest, with a prize of a free coffee break for the winning office. For more information, or to register, go to www.unl.edu/asun or go to the ASUN Student Government Office, 136 Nebraska Union. The deadline to register is Sept. 30. Entries can be faxed to 472-8922. Judging starts at 1 p.m. Oct. 1.