JOIN THE FUN FOR HOMECOMING WEEKEND

It's Homecoming weekend -- a favorite time for the region to wave the red-and-black banners of Southeast Missouri State University.

The festivities are already under way. But a highlight of the weekend is always the Homecoming parade, which begins at 9:30 this morning at Capaha Park. Marching bands, university groups, community organizations and colorful floats will travel down Broadway to Main Street as thousands watch.

This year's Homecoming festivities feature a Mardi Gras theme, "From Broadway to Bourbon Street," which certainly embodies the party-like atmosphere of Homecoming. Southeast's football team will take on Tennessee Tech at 1 p.m. at Houck Stadium today.

Homecoming is not just a great reason to celebrate. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring back former students, teachers and others with fond memories of Cape Girardeau. The festivities typically fill up most of the motel rooms in town, and keep the restaurants and stores quite busy.

Homecoming is not just fun and games. Faculty and alumni Merit Award winners will be honored during the weekend, and the Copper Dome Society will present its Friend of the University Award this morning. Homecoming really provides an opportunity for the university to shine.

It is old home week on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Come join the fun.