With concerts, reunions, pep rallies, a football game and more, there will be something for everyone when Western Kentucky University celebrates Homecoming from Oct. 11-15.

“It’s an event like no other,” said Bowling Green senior Bailey Deglow, who is running for Homecoming queen this year.

Deglow has been involved with Homecoming events since she arrived on campus, and this year is no different – she is representing WKU’s Alumni Student Ambassadors with her Homecoming queen candidacy.

“It’s just an awesome time of the year for students on campus and alumni,” she said.

This year’s Homecoming theme is “There’s No Place Like Home.”

Ginny Hensley, WKU’s director of alumni engagement and co-chair of the university’s Homecoming Committee, said this year’s celebration is using the tagline of “Not in Kansas anymore” to honor new WKU President Timothy Caboni, who previously worked at the University of Kansas.

Along with the traditional favorites, Hensley said this year’s celebration features new events. The first official Homecoming event happens to be among them, with Kentucky Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. of Bowling Green hosting a question-and-answer session at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Augenstein Alumni Center. Attendees will be able to submit questions for Minton to answer. The event is sponsored by the Society for Lifelong Learning and the WKU Alumni Association. The event is free, but a reservation is required. To reserve a spot, visit wku.edu/sll/aew.php.

Homecoming festivities continue Oct. 12 with the annual Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally. The luncheon, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 643 Sports Bar and Grill, 360 E. Eighth Ave., is sponsored by the Jennings Perry Schmitt Financial Group and presented by Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky and the WKU Alumni Association. Tickets are $5 and come with a bowl of Wendy’s chili, grilled cheese, a soft drink and a Country Oven Bakery dessert. Tickets are available at the door. Attendees can also purchase tickets or place a to go order at www.alumni.wku.edu/cc17.

All proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky. Big Red, WKU football players, the pep band, cheerleaders and the Topperettes dance team will join WKU football coach Mike Sanford for a pep rally at noon.

Another new event, called “There’s No Place Like … The After Party,” begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Steamer Seafood, 801 State St. Presented by the Young Alumni Council, the event will offer free drinks to the first 100 alumni who register. More information is available by calling the WKU Alumni Association at 270-745-2586. Before the after party, the Homecoming Concert in the Park will feature Jordan English, a vocalist and guitarist from Lexington. The concert will begin at 5 p.m. at Circus Square Park on Oct. 13.

Campus groups, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in this year’s Homecoming Parade. Beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 13 at College Heights Boulevard and the Avenue of Champions, the parade route will travel up College Heights Boulevard, turn left onto State Street and end at Circus Square Park. The Big Red’s Roar pep rally will follow. There is no registration fee for the parade, but the deadline for registration is Wednesday.

More information is available by contacting Hensley at 270-745-5314 or ginny.hensley@wku.edu.

Also Oct. 13, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon will honor its 2017 inductees: former WKU President Gary Ransdell and his wife, Julie. The luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. at Sloan Convention Center. Registration is available at www.alumni.wku.edu/s/808/home.aspx.

A full list of Homecoming events is available at www.alumni.wku.edu.

– Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.