'Big Red's Birthday Bash'
Theme Of WKU Homecoming
October 06, 2004
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University mascot Big Red will celebrate his 25th birthday in a big way during Homecoming 2004.
"Big Red's Birthday Bash" is the theme for activities that begin Oct. 18 and continue through Oct. 24.
"All of us at Western Kentucky University are excited to celebrate Homecoming 2004 because we're also celebrating Big Red's 25th birthday," said Ginny Hensley, Homecoming co-chair and assistant director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. "While Homecoming is always the largest reunion weekend of the year, we expect an even larger crowd to return to campus to celebrate the birthday festivities."
Among the special birthday events are the opening of "Big Red – The All-American Mascot Turns 25!" exhibit at the Kentucky Library and Museum on Oct. 20 and a reunion of all former Big Reds on Oct. 22-23.
"We'll have many Homecoming "extras" this year in celebration of Big Red's birthday," Hensley said. "We're inviting back all former Big Reds who have brought life to our loveable mascot for 25 years."
Big Red creator Ralph Carey and the former Big Reds will serve as grand marshals for the Homecoming parade on Oct. 22 and will be recognized during the Homecoming football game on Oct. 23.
The official Big Red Birthday Party will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 23 during Festival of Friends tailgating on Downing University Center's South Lawn. "We encourage all alumni and friends to stop by the birthday tent for cake and to sign Big Red's birthday card," Hensley said. "We're hoping for enough signatures to create an official Guinness Book of World Records category for the most signatures on a birthday card.
"More surprises will come at the football game, including Big Red's entrance to the game," she said. "Everyone will have to be in the stands at kickoff to see the other exciting Big Red extras."
The Hilltopper football team will face Indiana State at 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at L.T. Smith Stadium. The Homecoming Queen will be crowned at halftime.
"Homecoming on the Hill continues to grow each year, and our goal is to give Western alumni and friends a reason to return home," Hensley said. "With more than 100 events scheduled for Homecoming week, we hope there's something special for everyone."
Among the other special Homecoming events are the Glasgow Tailgate Party at 6 p.m. Oct. 19, a Chili Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally at 11 a.m. Oct. 21, the sixth annual Summit Awards at 6 p.m. Oct. 21, Hall of Distinguished Alumni induction ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22, the Athletic Hall of Fame induction at 11 a.m. Oct. 23, the Festival of Friends reunion tents at 1 p.m. Oct. 23, the Step Show at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 and the WKU Choir and Symphonic Band Concert at 3 p.m. Oct. 24.
A complete list of Homecoming events, receptions and reunion activities is available online at http://www.wku.edu/Alumni/HCevents04.pdf
This year's Homecoming Parade has been moved to Normal Drive because of utility construction along Big Red Way. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at 15th Street (near the Hardin Planetarium) and end at Regents Avenue.
Following the parade, the Wachovia Securities Big Red Street Fest will begin on Downing University Center's South Lawn. "Street Fest has continued to grow each year, and we're excited to add several new large inflatable games, including a 125-foot inflatable Titanic," Hensley said. "Children will also have the opportunity to meet the 2004 Hilltopper football team, plus win many prizes. Since Halloween is only a week away, we encourage children to dress in costume and enter the Homecoming Costume Contest."
For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (270) 745-4395. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
