October 23, 2000

If you're searching for paradise, you don't have to look too far.

This year's Homecoming celebration, "Huskies in Paradise," promises to bring an idyllic atmosphere to Storrs. The celebration welcomes members of the UConn community during the weekend Oct. 26 through 29, for a schedule packed with events.

"Participation in Homecoming is a show of UConn spirit," says Kevin Fahey, senior associate director for campus activities. "Students, faculty and staff who participate show their Husky spirit, and alumni who participate are demonstrating that they're proud of their alma mater."

Homecoming officially kicks off Thursday, Oct. 26, with opening ceremonies in the Student Union Lobby. Later that evening UConn will play host to the Warrens, a pair of "ghost hunters," in a show to be held at Jorgensen Auditorium.

On Friday, faculty and staff in all departments are invited to decorate their offices with a paradise motif for a contest to be judged in the afternoon. Festivities continue at 8 p.m. with a lip-sync competition and a royalty pageant in Gampel Pavilion. A late-night dance will follow.

Saturday's events begin bright and early with an Alma Meter Run and a KidsK Fun Run that take off at 9 a.m. Registration for both events will take place in front of the Husky Dog statue, starting at 8 a.m. There will also be a magic show for children to follow.

After the dedication of the Lodewick Visitors Center at 10 a.m., the annual Homecoming Parade, featuring the UConn marching band and student floats, will begin at 10:30 a.m. A barbecue on the Student Union Mall with balloon artists, face painters and lei making for children will occur afterwards.

Alumni can then indulge their appetite for UConn athletics by taking in one or more of the three games to take place in the afternoon. The football team will play against South Florida at 1:30 p.m. and the women's field hockey and volleyball teams will take on Syracuse at noon and 3 p.m. respectively. A post-game party will take place at the Alumni House between 4 and 6 p.m.

Evening entertainment on Saturday includes a show by hypnotist James Mapes, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Rome Commons Ballroom, South Campus, and a comedy show to feature three comedians, a DJ and Slam Poet at Jorgensen Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The Homecoming celebration ends Sunday with a Homecoming awards ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Nutmeg Grille.

Participants in the celebration are invited to bring non-perishable food items for the Alumni Association's first annual Homecoming Food Drive. All food should be brought to the Homecoming Registration Tent on the Student Union Mall and will support Foodshare Hartford's regional food bank. For more information, call (860) 486 2240 or (888) 822-5861.

Rebecca Stygar