Homecoming is fast approaching for Utah State University! This means football, tailgates, parades, and good ol’ Aggie traditions. This year’s Homecoming Week begins Monday, October 6th and goes through Saturday, October 11th. Utah State University first began the tradition of Homecoming on October 11, 1930, making this the 84th annual Aggie Homecoming event. The first USU Homecoming game was played against the University of Colorado. This year, the Aggies will be battling against Air Force.

During the week leading up to the game, there will be many events for students to get involved in:

Monday, October 6th: The Mr. USU Pageant will take place in the Kent Concert Hall. This tradition involves a pageant-style contest with the male students competing for the title of Mr. USU. This is a fun event for the men of Utah State to showcase their quirky talents and Aggie spirit.

Tuesday, October 7th: Street painting and the Moonlight and Music concert. These are both resurrected traditions from over the years that bring students together to celebrate Homecoming Week.

Wednesday, October 8th: Powderpuff football games will be a fun way for students to get involved in the Homecoming spirit. Plus, for those who can’t get enough, it is another opportunity to watch some football.

Thursday, October 9th: There will be a hypnotist show on Thursday, and while this may not be a long-standing tradition, it will be a great event.

Friday, October 10th: This day is full of traditions and game-day hype! There will be many alumni barbeques throughout campus, a True Blue 5K, and the Homecoming Dance. True Aggie Night will also take place. True Aggie Night is a long-standing tradition, begun by an on-campus club in the early 1900s. One can become a True Aggie at midnight, every month on the night of a full moon. To do so, they must kiss someone who is already, themselves, a True Aggie. Homecoming is special because becoming a “True Aggie” does not require a full moon. You may also kiss someone who is not already a True Aggie on Homecoming night to achieve this coveted status. Becoming a True Aggie is a USU rite of passage, and an idea that has spread to other universities throughout the country.

Saturday, October 11th: This day is a full Homecoming extravaganza! It will begin with an official Homecoming breakfast followed by the big parade down Main Street, then tailgate parties two hours prior to kickoff. The main event, the game against Air Force, will take place that evening at 8:15 pm and will be televised.

As Homecoming approaches, students and the community alike look forward to all of these grand Aggie traditions, as well as the ever-important football game. We look forward to seeing the Utah State Aggies put up a good fight against Air Force. Don’t forget to visit USU Credit Union at the pre-game tailgate on 800 East below the stadium. We will be grilling free hot dogs with Macey’s, playing corn hole, and giving away plenty of fun prizes!

For more information on Homecoming week events, visit www.usu.edu/homecoming

USU Credit Union is a division of Goldenwest.