Late nights, Beating of the Drum, L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire, Homecoming Parade, Yell Contest, Launching of the Ducks and Lighting of the Smokestack are just a few homecoming traditions that Tarleton offers its students, and this year, there are many other traditions that are planning to begin.
Lighting of the Smokestack is always first to take place. Seeing the Tarleton smokestack lit bright purple has symbolized the beginning of Homecoming week since 2014, when this event became an official Homecoming event. The Lighting of the Smokestack starts the week full of history and tradition for Texans.
This year, homecoming was a little different since the Lighting of the Smokestack, Launching of the Ducks and Silver Bungle Hunt already took place in fall of 2020. With this being said, Texans will just be picking up with the rest of Homecoming traditions this week.
2021 will feature two homecomings this year, with the first being in the spring, and the second following in the fall. Texans and Tarleton fans can look forward to all of the excitement that comes with these events.
Spring Homecoming week began on Monday, March 15 this year. There is something in store for Texans every day of the week, with some days holding more in store than others.
Homecoming week was initiated by the Faculty, Staff and Alumni Luncheon from 11a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center. Following that event, the S’mores Kick Off on the Trogdon House Lawn from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 16, The annual Purple Pancakes were in the TSU dining hall from 10 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Although this year it was a little different due to the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the pancakes were to-go only.
Wednesday, March 17 will hold the Yell Bingo contest at 9 p.m. in the Thompson Center, as well as the Yell Contest. This activity will take place at 9 p.m. as well, although it will be held in the Wisdom Gym, and in order to participate, you must have registered by March 5, 2021.
The Snake Dance will follow the Yell Contest on Wednesday, and will snake from Memorial Stadium to the Thompson Student Center Amphitheater. The Beating of the Drum will then follow the Snake Dance, and go all through the week until Tarleton Kick Off on Saturday. The Beating of the Drum is traditionally in the Thompson Student Center Amphitheater.
On Thursday, March 18, the Purple Poo will be having their 100 Year Celebration and Concert at the Intramural Complex at 6 p.m.
Friday, March 19, TSU will have four events for the Texans and Texan alumni. For the alumni there will be the J. Dixon White Homecoming Golf Tournament at the Canyon West Golf Course, with tee off at 9:30 a.m. Following the golf tournament, there will be the Welcome Home Bash at 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., and the Homecoming Kick Off Social from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. at the Alumni House.
One of the biggest events that Tarleton students have to look forward to is the Tarleton bonfire. This year the bonfire will take place on Friday, March 19 at the Tarleton Agriculture Center. Shuttling services will begin at 5 p.m., with the lighting of the bonfire set for 8 p.m.
The most event filled day is Saturday, March 20. The Texans will have events back to back, starting with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Breakfast starting at 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For alumni there will also be the Welcome Home Breakfast and Parade Watch Party starting at 8 a.m. as well at the Alumni House.
The Memorial Homecoming 5k will start at 9 a.m. Saturday with the gathering starting at Rome and Rudder Way. At 10 a.m., the Homecoming Parade will begin encircling campus via Washington and Mcllhaney Streets.
At 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Tarleton’s Corps of Cadets will host the Pointe du Hoc ceremony. The ceremony will start at the TSU Dining Hall and culminate at Rudder Statue.
Then from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the Student Life Reunion Hall will take place in the Thompson Center Ballrooms. Following the reunion, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. the Texan Alley and Alumni Association Tailgate Party will take place to prepare for the Tarleton Football game at 6 p.m. The Crowing of Homecoming Queen and King will be during halftime of the game.
This year is expected to be filled with exciting events as Tarleton’s homecoming double header makes it’s way into fruition during Tarleton’s first and second Division 1 seasons. Make sure to come out to support the Texans! This weekend, the Texans will play Midwestern State University. If you would like to view live stats during the game, or listen to the game via radio, you can visit tarletonsports.com/sports/football.