It's Time for America's Greatest Homecoming
Monday, October 28, 2024
At Oklahoma State, you’ve probably heard the buzz around America’s Greatest Homecoming. Trust me, it’s not just a catchphrase—it’s a full-on celebration you won’t want to miss! Whether it’s your first time diving into the festivities or your last hurrah as a student, Homecoming week is all about making awesome memories.
What’s Homecoming All About?
What started as a quaint harvest carnival in a small Oklahoma town over a century ago has blossomed into one of the largest student-run events in the country. Here at Oklahoma State University, Homecoming isn’t just an event—it’s a cherished tradition that brings together tens of thousands of alumni, students, family and friends in Stillwater every fall.
Can’t-Miss Events
Homecoming events will begin on Sunday, Oct. 27 with the dyeing of the Edmon Low Library fountain and the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen. Other traditional Homecoming events planned include the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 29, Hester Street Painting on Oct. 30, Walkaround on Nov. 1 and the Sea of Orange Parade on Nov. 2. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Cowboys will host the Arizona State Sun Devils inside Boone Pickens Stadium to officially conclude the Homecoming festivities.
Walkaround
Many Cowboys describe America’s Greatest HomecomingTM with one word: WalkaroundTM. One of the coolest parts of Homecoming is Walkaround. On Friday night, head out to see all the amazing house decorations made by the fraternities, sororities and residence halls. These students put in tons of hours pomping—yep, that’s a real word! It involves sticking tissue paper into chicken wire to create wild designs.
Sign Competition
Check out the Edmon Low Library Lawn to see more than 80 Homecoming-themed signs made by various campus living groups, clubs and organizations. Each one showcases a unique theme, and you can vote for your favorites!
Homecoming Pep Rally
After Walkaround, you’ll want to make your way to Gallagher-Iba Arena for a pep rally
with some important VIPs! You’ll hear from Coach Gundy and the football team as well
as coaches and players from several other OSU sports. You’ll also get to meet the
Homecoming Executive Team, Royalty Court and some special guests!
Sea of Orange Parade
Thousands of OSU alumni, family and friends pack Main Street in Downtown Stillwater to see the Sea of Orange Parade the morning of the Homecoming game. The parade consists of nearly more than 140 entries by OSU living groups and student organizations, alumni and the Stillwater community. On parade day, Main Street will be packed with Cowboys celebrating our school spirit.
Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off
Bring the family to the Harvest Carnival for games and fun designed by OSU students. Come see first-hand the tradition that began Homecoming. The Harvest Carnival, created just for kids, is put on every year by the OSU student body, including fraternities and sororities, residential halls and student organizations. It includes games, prizes, music and a wide variety of other activities. Bullet will also be on hand for pictures! And don’t miss the Chili Cook-Off—sample tons of chili while helping out with a canned food donation for those in need!
Hester Street Painting
Each year, Cowboy family members paint encouraging messages for the Cowboy Football team and coaches to read on Hester Street during the Spirit Walk on game day. It’s a fun way to show our spirit before game day!
Homecoming Game
To wrap up the fun-filled week, Oklahoma State hosts Arizona State at Boone Pickens Stadium! Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Come cheer the Cowboys on to victory and find out who won all the Homecoming competitions!
America’s Greatest Homecoming is more than just events; it’s a time to celebrate our OSU family and create lasting memories. Dive into the spirit of Homecoming and enjoy every minute. And, as always, go Pokes!
For more information on Homecoming festivities, visit the OSU Alumni Association website.