Huskers prepare for homecoming week

 Kylie Gunderson photographs her balloon before the release during the 2016 homecoming pep rally. | Craig Chandler, University Communication
Kylie Gunderson photographs her balloon before the release during the 2016 homecoming pep rally. | Craig Chandler, University Communication

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's homecoming week begins Sept. 17 and will carry the theme "Celebrating 150 Years of Statehood."

A 5K fun run and walk will open the week's activities at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. All university students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is not required. Registration begins the day of the race at 3:30 p.m. in the north parking lot of Harper Hall. The run/walk runs along the trail beside campus. Runners and walkers are encouraged to show school spirit by wearing Husker gear.

The Huskers Have Talent contest, coordinated by Campus Night Life, will take place at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the Coliseum. The event will include four divisions of competition: singing, instruments/band, dance and reading/poetry. A mandatory dress rehearsal will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 17, at the Coliseum.

A free concert by country artists Easton Corbin and Brooke Eden will take place at 8 p.m. Sept. 21, on the East Campus Mall. The concert is presented by the University Program Council and local radio station KX 96.9, along with ASUN Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, Student Involvement and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

One-hour campus tours leave from the Wick Alumni Center, 1520 R St., and run at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 22. Pre-registration is required; call 1-888-353-1874 to make a reservation.

Also on Sept. 22, student lawn displays will be completed by 10:30 a.m. and judged at noon. The annual homecoming parade starts at 6 p.m. The route begins near 14th and W streets, moves south to Vine Street, heads east to 16th Street, goes south to R Street, then goes west to the Nebraska Union's south entrance. The parade is free and open to the public.

In addition to floats built by registered student organizations, participants in the parade include the Cornhusker Marching Band, the Spirit Squad, 2017 homecoming royalty and student walking groups.

A pep rally will follow the parade from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the Nebraska Union Plaza. The Scarlet Guard's Homecoming Jester Competition is part of the pep rally.

The Nebraska Alumni Association will host a Football Friday gathering from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center. Football Friday includes appearances by former Husker football players, music, giveaways, children's games and more.

Blood drives will be held during the week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18, on the East Campus Loop and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 19, through Sept. 21 at the Nebraska Union.

Elections of royalty will take place on students' MyRED portal. Homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime of the Nebraska-Rutgers football game on Sept. 23.

Nebraska Today