Homecoming Week is always filled with school pride and spirit. Each day of the week is fun events to get Fresno State students excited about being a Bulldog.
“Homecoming Week is a way for our campus, community, students, faculty and staff, alumni to really [show] like how fun being a Bulldog is and enjoy the activities and events,” said Citlali Palma, a junior and homecoming committee student lead.
This year, the week of homecoming starts on Oct. 19 and ends on Oct. 24, with the theme being Home Sweet Homecoming.
“We still felt that we needed a fun homecoming theme, so we just really kind of thought about it. We’re all at home, but Fresno state is our home,” said Shawna Blair, coordinator of major events and staff development.
Keeping traditions alive but making them virtual was a challenge for the Fresno State Homecoming Committee. However, the team is determined to bring the festivities to students.
“I am definitely excited for homecoming. It’s also a bit sad I won’t get to experience it in person but I know it’ll be the same virtually,” Christopher Sierra-De Loera said,
The homecoming committee have already posted various social media challenges, such as the Bulldog Spirit Video and shoebox float to promote Homecoming Week.
The shoebox float will mimic the Pawrade, which in a pre-COVID semester, traditionally indicates the beginning of homecoming.
Senior and homecoming committee student lead Faby Hernandez said that students are encouraged to be creative with shoebox floats and anything Fresno State-related is welcomed.
Homecoming traditions run deep in Fresno State, and with football games resuming, the homecoming committee has plans on making tailgating virtual.
Blair said that there will be posts about how to create your own backyard tailgate, where students can learn how to create tailgating recipes from home that they can enjoy by themselves or with their families.
Other homecoming activities include a door decorating contest on Oct. 20, pumpkin painting contest on Oct. 22, virtual zoom parties and a marathon.
“We’re actually going to have a couple of chefs teaching a class, and everyone gets to jump on, and everyone is allowed to unmute themselves and ask questions while the chefs are making the items. This is another fun and relaxing way but you are learning a cool thing,” Blair said.
A community based event that the committee is implementing, is the 5k fun run, called Jog with the Dogs. The marathon is free but students are encouraged to donate to scholarships or the Victor E. Bulldog Fund.
Students must complete a 3.1 mile route in their neighborhood, a favorite park or their own home, while wearing their Bulldog red gear.
Participants can register by clicking on the link from Victor E. Bulldog’s Twitter post, and they must complete their run by Oct. 25.
“[This is] just another fun experience we’re bringing and we hope that the 5k might continue on from this year on,” Blair said.
One of the big virtual events that the committee is introducing Playback Bingo on Oct. 22. This event will have a DJ and curated playlist, and the students will get to cross out songs they hear if it’s on their bingo card.
“It’s very energetic, fun [and] active. You might have yourself muted, but you’re dancing with the DJ. We think that students will really enjoy that experience,” Blair said.
With a multitude of engaging activities, Fresno State students will have plenty of opportunities to take a break from their studies and participate in homecoming festivities.
“Homecoming is an opportunity for people to connect and for people to just have fun with [their] community, the Fresno state community,” Palma said.
There is one day left before Homecoming Week, and the committee wants the students to know that homecoming is for them.
“Just know that the homecoming team is really excited to be putting this on for you and again please remember that you’re a Fresno State Bulldog and that goes a long way, we all love you,” Blair said.
