Homecoming features an abundance of activities

The state’s largest parade, tailgating and Grizzly football are just a few of the many time-honored events planned for UM’s 2007 Homecoming, Wednesday, Sept. 26, through Saturday, Sept. 29.

The theme for this year is “Montana Legends: Discovery Never Ends.”

The Yell Night Pep Rally, which includes Singing on the Steps, Lighting of the M and fireworks, will be held early this year – at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, on the UM Oval. The rally has been moved to Wednesday so it won’t conflict with the Elton John concert Friday night.

UM’s Homecoming Buffet, which is open to the public, will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Food Zoo in Lommasson Center. Cost of the buffet is $8.25 per person.

The annual Homecoming Art Fair will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the University Center Atrium. The fair opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Receptions and open houses will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at various locations on campus. Reunion events also will be held throughout the day for UM’s Class of 1967.

The University’s 2007 Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented at a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. Friday in the University Center Ballroom. The public is invited to join in honoring this year’s award recipients: Dateline NBC national producer Shane Bishop; retired Navy aviator and commercial real estate consultant Paul Caine; University of California, Santa Cruz mathematics Professor Emeritus Al Kelley; and University of Arkansas director of development and former UM Director of Athletics Harley Lewis.

The All Alumni Social and Dance – also open to the public – will begin at 9 p.m. Friday at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park.

Saturday’s events begin with the annual Homecoming Parade, which takes off at 10 a.m. from downtown Missoula’s Circle Square and travels south on Higgins Avenue to University Avenue.

Local artists Monte Dolack and Mary Beth Percival are this year’s parade marshals. Honorary Homecoming parade marshals are UM President George Dennison and his wife, Jane.

The annual Alumni Tailgate Party will be held Saturday after the parade in the Riverbowl Area on campus. Look for the UMAA balloon.

UM’s Homecoming football game against Weber State kicks off at 1:05 p.m. Saturday in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The Homecoming Ball will begin at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the University Center Ballroom. Tickets in advance are $7 single and $12 couples; at the door, $10 single and $15. They may be purchased at The Source at the University Center.

For a complete schedule of 2007 Homecoming events, call the UM Alumni Association at 406-243-5211 or go online to http://www.umontanaalumni.org.