Western Kentucky University’s 2010 Homecoming festivities will truly be a community event as the “Thrill on the Hill” parade makes its way from campus to Fountain Square Park in downtown Bowling Green.

“Homecoming is not a celebration for just the WKU campus, but it’s a celebration for all alumni, faculty, students and the Bowling Green community,” said Ginny Hensley, director of Alumni Programming. “We have a great lineup for Homecoming Friday night, and we hope the community will rally around it.”

The annual Citizens First Homecoming parade will kick off weekend activities on Oct. 29. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at College Heights Boulevard/Avenue of Champions near the Downing University Center then proceed up and around the Hill to State Street then to downtown.

The parade will end at Fountain Square Park where Hilltopper football coach Willie Taggart will rally the crowd prior to the Citizens First Homecoming Concert in the Park featuring Heath Eric and the Rumsey Revival. The concert will begin at 6 p.m.

“By expanding our Homecoming Friday night activities to downtown Bowling Green, we hope everyone will park their car, bring their lawn chairs to enjoy the parade and the concert, and enjoy an evening celebrating the WKU Spirit,” Hensley said.

 Many downtown businesses will remain open throughout the evening and will provide a WKU Homecoming discount during the festivities. 

The traditional Friday evening festivities return to campus at 8 p.m. for Big Red’s Roar, the annual Homecoming pep rally at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

In addition to Friday night events Oct. 29 and the WKU vs. North Texas football game on Oct. 30, Homecoming week activities include reunions, a concert by Josh Turner, award presentations, crowning of Homecoming queen and a Halloween costume contest. 

The Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame will induct their newest members during Homecoming week.

Members of the 19th class of HODA – the late Joe Dudley Downing, the late Josephine Cherry Lowman and Dr. James Ramsey — will be inducted at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 29 at the Sloan Convention Center.

Members of the 20th class of the Athletic Hall of Fame — Chuck Durrant, Al Ellison, Tellis Frank, Coach Bill Powell and Joey Stockton – will be inducted at 10 a.m. Oct. 30 at Diddle Arena.

 The complete “Thrill on the Hill” schedule is available online at http://alumni.wku.edu; here are some of the highlights:

• Thursday, Oct. 28
  • Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at First Christian Church, 1106 State St.  Tickets are $5 each. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky.
  • WKU Career Exposition, 1-4 p.m. at Carroll Knicely Conference Center.
  •  Summit Awards, 6 p.m. at Carroll Knicely Conference Center.
  •  2010 Homecoming Concert, featuring Josh Turner with special guest Brantley Gilbert. 7 p.m. at Diddle Arena. Advance tickets are $20 for WKU students and $30 for non-students and will be sold at the WKU Ticket Office in Diddle Arena or by calling 1-800-5BIGRED. Tickets at the door will be $25 for WKU students and $35 for non-students.
• Friday, Oct. 29
  • Society of 1906 Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Kentucky Library and Museum.
  •  Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon and Induction Ceremony, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Sloan Convention Center
  •  Citizens First Homecoming Parade, 5 p.m. from WKU campus to Fountain Square Park.
  •  Citizens First Homecoming Concert in the Park, featuring Heath Eric and the Rumsey Revival, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Fountain Square Park
  •  Big Red’s Roar, 8 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium
  •  The Symphony at WKU presents “The Classic,” 8 p.m. at Van Meter Hall.
• Saturday, Oct. 30—Homecoming Day
  • Numerous reunions for campus groups, academic programs and student organizations.
  •  Alumni W-Club Athletic Hall of Fame and Brunch, 10 a.m. at Diddle Arena. 
  • Festival of Friends Homecoming Tailgating, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at various locations.
  •  WKU football vs. North Texas, 2 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, featuring Halloween costume contest, crowning of Homecoming queen and other activities.
• Sunday, Oct. 31
  • 14th Annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing, featuring Sharyn McCrumb, 2 p.m. at Garrett Conference Center, room 103.