CU-Boulder's 2005 Homecoming festivities kick off Friday, Oct.7, with a parade through Boulder's University Hill neighborhood at 5 p.m., followed by a pep rally and a free concert on the Norlin Quad at 6 p.m.
Chancellor Phil DiStefano will serve as Grand Marshall and Jeremy Bloom, former Buff football player and World-class freestyle skier, will be the parade's Honorary Marshall.
The annual event celebrates a return to campus for CU alumni, most of whom will attend CU's gridiron match-up with the Texas A&M Aggies on Oct. 8. Game time is at 5 p.m.
"Our theme this year is "Proud to be a Buff," said Mebraht Gabre-Michael, Homecoming committee chair and UCSU tri-executive. "We're excited to see how creative this year's floats will be. And, we'll be giving away $3,600 in prize money to the winners."
Floats will be judged on how well they relate to the theme, the overall design and the excitement level of participants. Prizes will be awarded in three categories, non-Greek student groups, Greek student groups and residence halls.
Six hundred dollars will be awarded to first-place winners, $400 to second and $200 to third-place winners.
Student groups and Greek organizations will be reimbursed up to $300 for materials purchased to build the float, not including the cost of a trailer, truck rental or other transportation. Total length of the vehicle and trailer is limited to 30 feet.
Identification of the student group should be highly visible for judging. Music, costumes and chants related to the theme are highly encouraged. At least 50 percent of the design of any float should be dedicated to the Homecoming theme.
Registration for floats and concert booths, for student groups or businesses, is required by Oct. 2. Businesses and community organizations are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Sponsors for the 2005 Homecoming events include UCSU, CU's Program Council, the Daily Camera, Student Affairs, Arts and Sciences Student Government, Dirt, the CU Book Store and CU's Housing and Dining Services.
For more information about parade routes, registration, rules, regulations, reimbursements and building tips, interested groups should go to the Web site at: http://www.cuhomecoming.com .