Photo: Megan White

As families, friends and alumni descended upon campus, the Elizabethtown College community kicked off Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 21, with a parade down College Avenue.

This year’s theme for the parade was Storybooks, and the Homecoming floats all featured characters from familiar childhood tales. From the Education Organization’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” themed float to Emotion’s “Peter Pan” float to the Honors Council’s “Where the Wild Things Are” float, all were festive and creative.

As spectators watched the parade and grabbed a few pieces of candy thrown from the floats, participants involved with the parade also enjoyed riding the floats.

“My favorite part of Homecoming was being in the parade,” first-year Emmett Ferree, a member of Ed Org, said. “It gave me a chance to support my interests as well as see a lot of other things Etown has to offer.”

After the parade was another one of Homecoming’s staples: the time when clubs and local businesses alike set up tables to sell items. It is one of the best chances for clubs to make revenue, while giving students the opportunity to buy some t-shirts and merchandise. In addition to t-shirts, clubs and businesses had snacks and promotional items to sell, as well. One of the most popular tables was Etown’s Ecology Club, which had pot-your-own succulents for sale.

Photo: Megan White

In the afternoon, there was a Jazz Band and Community Chorus concert. Students performing in the Jazz Band and various choir groups, such as the College-Community Chorus, Fenice, Camerata and the Concert Choir practiced for months in preparation for the concerts.

Dinner at the Marketplace featured a selection of entrées, sides and desserts, while live music

 played throughout the meal. It was an opportunity for families and friends to come together.

“The whole atmosphere was good, honestly,” first-year Etownian staff writer Aprille Mohn said. “It was especially nice to have my family here.”

Homecoming closed out with the MVP Homecoming Show, “Finding Your Voice,” in which a capella groups Phalanx, Vocalign and Melica performed.

The groups sang new songs and also invited alumni members on stage to sing their alumni songs. The performances were memorable experiences for everyone involved.

Photo: Megan White

Etown’s Homecoming weekend is an annual event in October to celebrate and welcome alumni, family and community members back to the College.

For more information about Homecoming 2017 or the annual Homecoming festivities, please visit www.etown.edu/homecoming.