It’s everyone’s favorite holiday of the year.
Halloween can have the block party, there will always be Santa Fest the weekend before winter break and fest season can have the second semester. But Bobcats of all ages look forward to Homecoming.
Homecoming is about bringing together current students, alumni and locals to celebrate the university that has a special place in our hearts.
Throughout the week, the entire city is buzzing with anticipation for the weekend festivities. The week starts with decorations hung all over campus from Baker Center to the coffee shops on Court Street.
Students are busy getting all their work done so they don’t have to worry about anything for the weekend. Alumni are packing their bags, and the city is preparing for the influx of people coming to Athens.
Saturday brings a long day of festivities, but Bobcats are up for the challenge.
Most students can barely wake up for their 10:45 a.m. class, but alarms will be set for 5:30 a.m. to make it on time to kegs-n-eggs, which is the only time drinking that early in the morning is considered acceptable. Some people are bold and pull all-nighters, while others cherish a few hours of sleep to attempt to get some rest before the festivities begin.
For others, the parade around Uptown starts their day. Locals, alumni and current students line the streets to see all their favorite local businesses and student organizations march in the parade.
Everyone is also excited for the football game, even if it is just to see the Marching 110 and the alumni band perform together.
Homecoming is one of the days of bliss in Athens when all other worries seem to be forgotten. Most people think of Athens as a college town, but Homecoming is a time where the entire city is united.
As a senior, I have also come to the sad realization that it is my last Homecoming. I am not sure the next time I will be back to celebrate with my fellow Bobcats.
But now is not a time for sorrow, it is a time for celebration.
I will celebrate Ohio University and the city of Athens. I will celebrate the memories I will make with my friends. I will celebrate the hard work The Post staff does to put together a newspaper every week.
Most importantly, I will celebrate the best four years of my life.
Ellen Wagner is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Ellen at ew047615@ohio.edu or tweet her @ewagner19.
