Homecoming weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 30 with the tailgate and parade at 6 p.m. and football game to follow at 7:30.

There will be booths set up in the stadium parking lot that are being run by students of various clubs and activities. These booths benefit their club or activity and will have games to play, food to eat, and prizes to be had.

“Tailgating consists of lots of food and really, really good desserts,” junior Bethette Kayla Dell said.

Family, friends, and the community are allowed to join the tailgate fun in support of the Hawks facing the Hempfield Spartans.

The Homecoming parade proceeds down Black Hawk Drive. The entire community comes out to the watch not only the band, Bethettes/Majorettes, cheerleaders, and students and their floats, but as well as the firefighters, who join in on the parade, throwing candy and beads out for kids.

The band plays and the Bethettes, Majorettes, and cheerleaders help get the community’s school spirit up. Homecoming Court nominees ride in cars and wave before four are elected princess, prince, queen, and king at the football game.

Dell’s advice to all those marching in the parade is, “Keep those high knees!”

Following the parade and tailgate is the football game. One can expect lots of school pride as the student section fills the bleachers and cheers on the Black Hawks. The student section is planning on wearing all camo, but please make sure to wear your black and orange.

The band, Bethettes, and Majorettes are performing again at halftime. Dell mentioned that the audience will notice a few changes to their routine.

“We’re gonna bring it all, including some new dance moves and tunes.”

There is a slight chance of rain Friday night, but the game and halftime show will go on, rain or shine.

Have a great and safe Homecoming weekend!