UMD is advising surrounding communities to be prepared for a swell of Bulldog pride October 9 – 15, 2016, as campus unleashes its Homecoming celebration.
Homecoming Parade
Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m.
New this year– the Homecoming Parade is on campus. The route starts by the Darland Administration Building, 1049 University Drive, at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to wrap up right on time for the Family Fun Carnival, tailgating, and the big game, a 1:05 p.m. matchup against Aberdeen, South Dakota’s Northern State.
UMD reignited the parade three years ago after a decades long furlough. This will be the first time it’s not being held in downtown Duluth.
“Having it on campus amplifies the Saturday of Homecoming Week into a supersized celebration,” explains Jessi Eaton, parade organizer and Kirby Student Center’s communication manager. Eaton hopes having the parade on campus will also make it easier for Bulldogs living on campus to participate.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, who received her master’s degree from UMD, is scheduled to be the Grand Marshal. Mayor Larson was elected last November.
Area bands and dance organizations, UMD athletes, Champ, and the Maroon Loon are among the 40 entries scheduled to participate in the Homecoming Parade.
Highlighted events during Homecoming Week:
Spread the Word to End the Word 5k
Sunday, October 9 at 10 a.m.
UMD’s Commission on Disabilities is hosting Spread the Word to End the Word 5k to increase awareness of disabilities and end the use of the "R" word. All proceeds will go to the local Duluth chapter of Special Olympics.
The race begins at Malosky Stadium, 1336 University Drive.
Cardboard Boat Races
Wednesday, October 12 at 5 p.m.
They’ll be launching from the Bagley Nature Center shoreline– in vessels made of cardboard. While the end result isn’t in question, the thrill of when the sinking will happen makes it hard to look away.
This Mechanical Engineering Club’s annual event is a race across Bagley’s Rock Pond and back again. Prizes, including “most epic fail,” will be awarded.
Alumni Intramural Hockey Game
Saturday, October 15 at 9 a.m.
UMD’s Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) is clearing the ice for an alumni game that’s open to all skill levels. Though it’s not the Stanley Cup, the prize of a UMD Club Sports t-shirt is enough to fuel the competition. Registration is open.
The puck drops on the RSOP ice rink, 1216 Ordean Court.
Family Fun Carnival
Saturday, October 15 at 11:30 a.m.
The area behind the Malosky Stadium, 1336 University Drive, is being transformed into a Family Fun Carnival complete with a bouncy house and free hot dogs.
Young Alumni Happy Hour
Saturday, October 15 at 4:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs of the Last Decade (BOLD) is hosting "A Very BOLD Homecoming" happy hour event from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at The Sports Garden, 425 South Lake Avenue.
Networking and having fun between the football and hockey games is on the agenda. All are welcome!
Complete list of Homecoming 2016 events