A week’s worth of celebrations for Homecoming at N.C. State officially launched Sunday on Miller Fields.
Homecoming Kickoff included a disk jockey, Raleigh-based food vendors, free customized street signs and T-shirts. The event also included laser tag, a game truck with Wii and Xbox, disc golf, home-run derby, bubble balls and inflatables.
The N.C. State Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program passed out free T-shirts to students who had already downloaded the N.C. State Homecoming app, which is a new addition to the celebration this year. Members of the AASAP encouraged students to use the app for almost all Homecoming events, such as voting for the best float in the parade or buying tickets for the pack howl concert.
The kickoff was the first of 42 events that will take place throughout the week, including a spirit banner competition, an Instagram contest, a blood drive, a cupcake war and a karaoke party in downtown.
“The whole week will blow people away,” said Melissa Wright, parade director for Homecoming and a sophomore in elementary education.
Wright said that all Homecoming events have been certified by the University Sustainable Office. They incorporate sustainable food choices, waste reduction, purchasing, education, marketing, transportation, energy, water and service.
Laura Sandtner, director of Kickoff and Wear Red and Get Fed, said ideas for Homecoming come from a committee of seven students, who started planning in December. Sandter said she put a lot of thought into planning this year’s celebration.
“Everyone loves free food, and we amped the event with local vendors like Moe’s Southwest Grill, zpizza and Jimmy John’s,” Sandtner said.
Sandtner said she was happy with the turnout Sunday afternoon, and she thought it was a successful event.
Kate Howie, the Homecoming director this year, said AASAP likes to combine with other campus organizations to make old events better. For example, the Union Activities Board hosts the concerts because of its expertise in that area.
Howie said Homecoming signifies a time to reflect on the effect the University has had in the lives of students and alumni.
“I’m giving back to something that’s given me so much, and N.C. State is what I’ve known and loved my whole life,” Howie said.
Chelsey Pitts, a sophomore chemistry, said kick off is a great way to start the Homecoming celebration.
“Kickoff is the start of the entire celebration that I love so much.” Pitts said. “So many people come out and support in good spirits in an atmosphere that’s free and liberating.
