Flash, the Kent State University mascot, celebrates during
the university's Homecoming parade as it makes its way
from the Kent Campus to downtown Kent.

Kent State University will celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 18. Faculty, staff and students are invited to come together to celebrate the Homecoming theme of “Kent State Pride is Worldwide.”

“The theme reflects Kent State’s global presence,” says Joy Wesoloski, assistant director of alumni relations and Homecoming committee chair. “With our alumni and students coming from more than 100 countries, blue and gold pride is felt across the world. The new and traditional Homecoming events this year will offer opportunities for all Golden Flashes to participate and find ways to show off their Kent State spirit.”

The festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with the traditional 14th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race followed by a complimentary continental breakfast and parade viewing party at 10 a.m. at the Williamson Alumni Center at 1200 E. Main St.

The Homecoming parade will step off at 11 a.m. down Main Street with entries from campus organizations and the community that reflect the Homecoming theme. Tracy McCool, a 1994 Kent State graduate and the evening anchor at Fox 8 News in Cleveland, will serve as the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal.

A new event – called the Kent State Spirit Party – will take place on the grounds of the alumni center at 12:30 p.m. following the parade. The spirit party will offer stations for Kent State fans to make posters for the football game, color their hair blue and gold, and get face tattoos. Two party trucks featuring video games, photo booths and karaoke will be present along with cornhole boards, snacks, hot chocolate and beer. Lolly the Trolley also will be on hand to take interested individuals on tours of downtown.

“This spirit party is an event for the whole family to enjoy together,” Wesoloski says. “A lot of activities will be going on after the parade, including open houses at different university departments, building tours and a faculty lecture, so everyone should be able to find something to do before going to the Homecoming football game.”

The Kent State Golden Flashes will battle the Army Black Knights at Dix Stadium at 3:30 p.m. The 2014 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during halftime. Kent State fans are asked to show their support by wearing blue and gold to the game, and they can purchase the official 2014 Homecoming T-shirt at the University Bookstore.

A list of all Homecoming events can be viewed at www.ksualumni.org/homecoming.