By Ashley Herndon, Staff Reporter
Friday night’s events kick off the homecoming weekend with a lively start. Starting at 5 p.m., on Sid Richardson Lawn, there will be several food trucks and a lemonade stand for refreshments and are pay as you go. All-School-Sing is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Behrens Auditorium following the food trucks. Admission for Sing is $5 for Hardin-Simmons University students and $15 for general admission.
Emily Williamson, a participant in the Sing freshmen group, shared her experience through Sing so far. “Sing is so fun. I’ve made so many friends through it and we’ve worked really hard to put together a good show. I think everybody should come to see Sing because it’s funny and entertaining. Everybody is putting a lot of effort into making it a great show,” Williamson said.
During the Sing performance, a festival will also take place on Sid Richardson Lawn with plenty of things to do. Attractions include old-school carnival games, a bounce house for the younger attendees and a mechanical bull.
Jenn Waldmann, assistant vice president of Alumni and Donor Engagement, shared more about the festival. “We even have a rock wall with a massive slide off of it. It should be a very visible night,” Waldmann said.
Around 8:15 p.m., a tried and true classic begins – a pep rally featuring the Cowboy Band, Spurs and cheer team.
“We’re doing something different this year. We’re introducing the [homecoming] court at the pep rally, and crowning them on the field on Saturday,” said Allison Goodwin, director of Alumni and Donor Engagement.
Directly after the pep rally ends, a firework presentation will begin and last about 15 minutes. Following the fireworks, the HSU Police Department will be serving purple pancakes behind Abilene Hall.
During all of the events, homecoming boards designed and created by the residence halls will be displayed for voting via QR code that ends Friday.
“The winner will be announced the fourth quarter of the homecoming game on Saturday, and the winning hall will be given dinner the alumni relations office,” Waldmann said.
Overall, Friday night is a fun-filled night for current students, their families, prospective students and alumni. “Homecoming means coming home, but it’s everyone coming home. It's the HSU family,” Waldmann said.