N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University, a historically black college in Greensboro, claims to have “The Best Homecoming on Earth.” N.C. A&T’s homecoming is the Piedmont Triad’s fourth-largest event; drawing tens of thousands to the region every October. Economic-development officials estimate that N.C. A&T’s homecoming pumps $10 million into the local economy annually. This year, hip-hop artists “BUSTA RHYMES, KEYSHIA COLE, LIL WAYNE, YOUNG DRO plus … special surprise guest! Hosted by … FUNKMASTER FLEX” will perform at the Greensboro Coliseum as a part of the University’s homecoming festivities.

But before 1999, N.C. State University could assert to having “The Worst Homecoming on Earth.”

There were no activities, no pep rallies, no concerts and no parade. Homecoming was merely a designation of one of the home football games that were played in October.

In 1998, a few members of Student Government banded together to shut down Hillsborough Street and revive the annual Homecoming parade. They heard the tales of Homecoming parades in the 1970s when hundreds of floats would start on campus, travel up Dan Allen Drive and the turn onto Hillsborough Street to be greeted by throngs of screaming Wolfpack fans.

Unfortunately, the City of Raleigh and University administrators would not support the students’ efforts to revive the Hillsborough-Street-parade tradition, and Homecoming reverted to its role as merely a football designation.

It wasn’t until 1999 that N.C. State’s Homecoming came back to life. A few student leaders and alumni staff got together to form the Homecoming Committee. The small group scrounged up a couple thousand dollars to bring the campus “Red Wolf Rising.” It was the first time in years that N.C. State would have organized Homecoming activities.

Because Homecoming was such a “novel concept” at the time, organizations were hesitant about providing funding and university officials placed enormous roadblocks for organizers to hurdle. The highlights of the week were a pep rally, bonfire and concert. N.C. State’s homecoming tradition was on the return as singer Clarence Carter belted “Strokin'” to hundreds of Wolfpack faithful in the Brickyard. Today’s Homecoming activities, although larger in scale, are the brainchild of former Student Body President Darryl Willie.

This year’s Homecoming theme is “Send the Jackets PACKin” and should be the best modern day homecoming yet. The Alumni Association and Homecoming boast, “Homecoming is the time of year to revisit the faces and places that made your time at N.C. State memorable. Your Alumni Association and Student Homecoming Committee have scheduled a full week of entertainment, including a members’ tailgate, reunions, parties, live music and, of course, Friday’s Homecoming Parade down Hillsborough Street, with students and alumni parading to the theme “Send the Jackets PACKin.” Afterward, students and alumni can pack Reynolds Coliseum for the ever-popular Pack Howl pep rally and concert.”

Saturday’s game day will be filled with entertainment, contests and awards. The Chairman of the Board will perform in the Fan Zone between Carter-Finely Stadium and the RBC Center. Other activities include a banner contest, craziest fan contest and paint the town red contest.

Two main awards will be presented — the Dr. Thomas H. Stafford, Jr. Spirit Bell and the Leader of the Pack Scholarship. The Stafford Bell recognizes the best overall student organization for participation in Homecoming. The Leader of the Pack contest, N.C. State’s politically correct version of homecoming queen and king, awards one female and one male student a $1,000 scholarship for outstanding achievement in leadership, scholarship and University and community service.

Homecoming marks the time of year when alumni return to campus to visit with old friends and students to celebrate school spirit. Although it may not yet be the best homecoming on earth, N.C. State’s Homecoming is now much more than a fall day in November.

E-mail Andrew at viewpoint@technicianonline.com.