CSU Welcomes Community to Celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 15-17: Ag Commissioner John Stulp is Parade Grand Marshal

Colorado State University invites students, alumni, parents, friends and the larger community to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend in Fort Collins Oct. 15-17. Since 1914, CSU’s Homecoming tradition has welcomed alumni, friends and families back to campus for a fun-filled weekend of activities and events.

The theme of this year’s Homecoming Parade, “Living our Legacy,” will feature CSU alumnus and Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Stulp as the grand marshal. This year’s other Homecoming and Family Weekend highlights include the Homecoming 5K Race, Reunion on the Oval and the Homecoming football game. Many other activities, including a variety of campus tours, open houses, class reunions and parent association meetings, will be held throughout the weekend.

Parade, Event and Registration Details

Several events are open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the entire community, although a handful require advanced registration and some include a fee for participation. Visit the Web at homecoming.colostate.edu for a complete list of events and registration information.

Traditional Homecoming celebrations begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, with Reunion on the Oval in the historic heart of campus. Alumni, students and families are invited to view yearbooks and visit with one another while enjoying music and family-friendly entertainment. The reunion event is free and open to the public.

This year’s Homecoming Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Howes Street and Oak Street in downtown Fort Collins. The 90-minute parade, featuring CAM the Ram and the CSU Marching Band, will travel south on Howes, through the Oval and across the university’s Plaza. The parade ends on campus at Meridian Avenue and University Avenue (the West Lawn of Lory Student Center).

Parade registration for float entries is now open; participation will be limited to 100 entries this year. The parade float registration deadline is Oct. 6. Registration details and forms are available online at http://homecoming.colostate.edu/parade-registration.aspx or by calling CSU Events & Constituent Engagement at (970) 491-4601.

The end of the parade also serves as the beginning of the Homecoming pep rally. The rally will be followed by the traditional Homecoming bonfire, lighting of the "A" and fireworks. The event is free and open to the public.
Also on Friday night, the University Center for the Arts is presenting an All-Mozart Concert featuring University Sinfonia Orchestra and CSU Choirs. Concert and ticket information are available online at http://csuartstickets.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event_listings.asp.

The 30th Annual CSU Homecoming 5K Race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, on the Oval, followed by a free Kid’s Fun Run led by CAM the Ram beginning at about 9 a.m. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to attend. The race averages about 2,000 participants. More information and registration details are available online at http://www.hes.cahs.colostate.edu/outreach/homecoming/.

The Homecoming celebration continues at Hughes Stadium with Ram Town beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Located east of the team tunnel entrance, Ram Town features interactive play areas for kids including the Ram Locker Room Experience and an obstacle course. Ram Town is free and open to the public.

Football festivities continue with the CSU Alumni Association Homecoming and Family Weekend Tailgate from 9:30-11:30 a.m. outside of Hughes Stadium. Live music, food, visits by CAM the Ram, the CSU pep band and cheer squads will set the stage for the big game. Registration is required at homecoming.colostate.edu. For more information, visit the Alumni Association online at http://www.alumni.colostate.edu/ or call (800) 286-2586.

The Colorado State Rams will host Mountain West Conference opponent University of Nevada-Las Vegas at noon on Saturday, Oct. 16, on Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Special game packages are available as part of Family Weekend activities. For ticket information, visit www.csurams.com or homecoming.colostate.edu or call (800) 491-RAMS.

Additional events and activities are available throughout the weekend. For more information about CSU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, including a full, updated list of events, visit homecoming.colostate.edu.

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