If you have attended Southeast Missouri State University between 1920 and now, you are familiar with the week of fun and spirit-filled events, also known as Homecoming, which is just around the corner!

Homecoming has been a proud tradition since the early 1920s because it allows students, alumni and members of the community to celebrate their Southeast pride. This year the celebration week kicks off on October 21 and involves several activities including a Yard Art competition, Southeast Spirit Day, Field Day, a Spirit Rally, Decades Day, a Talent Show and, most importantly, the parade and football game. Along the way, you'll also find class reunions, parties, dinners and so much more.

Chris Dzurick, Vice President of the Homecoming planning committee, says that "Homecoming is a unique opportunity for Southeast students to showcase their spirit through a week of competition and activities. For decades, we have made a lasting impression on this campus through the creation of events such as the Spirit Rally and parade down Broadway. This year, Southeast students will be 'Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Success' as the decades of Southeast history come to live again."

The highlight of Homecoming is the annual parade that will be held on October 26 which will start in Capaha Park and proceed down Broadway to Main Street. The theme for this year's parade is 'Decades' and floats are custom-designed and built around the theme by students themselves, primarily Greek fraternities and sororities and several community organizations.

"We normally put in over 1000 hours of work towards Homecoming every year. This year our float theme is the 1980s and we have decided to feature classic 80's video games ilke PacMan, Frogger and Super Mario on our float. Homecoming week is always stressful and busy, but in the end it is all worth .it," said Cami Frew, member of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

Many students along with their friends and families also participate in a tailgate party before the football game and, of course, attend the game itself. The Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks will take on the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Houck Stadium at 1 p.m. on October 26. So, get our your red and black apparel and make plans to be there to show your support and help the Redhawks bring home a winner!