Jamfest was canceled this year but Homecoming will feature the first annual Homecoming Candlelight Devo.

In previous years, the Alumni Association hosted Jamfest as apart of the Friday-night Homecoming activities. Student musicians and bands auditioned to perform in the event.

“We decided this year to take a break from Jamfast. And so, in lieu of Jamfest, we decided to do the Candlelight Devo,” said Jama Cadle, assistant director of alumni relations.

Cadle said Jamfest was canclled due to lack of student interest and the Candlelight Devo was created to share the tradition with current students, prospective students, alumni and their families. The devo will take place Friday at 8:15 p.m. in the Beauchamp Amphitheatre. 

Other Friday night events will include the carnival, the Science Circus, the Homecoming musical, “Man of La Mancha,” and the night will finish with the Candlelight Devo.

Saturday begins with club breakfasts, followed by the parade. This year’s Homecoming theme is ‘Celebrate Your Story’ and floats will be themed accordingly.

The Homecoming chapel speaker is John Siburt, president and chief operating officer of CitySquare, a non-profit dedicated to fighting poverty in Dallas.

Various departments will host luncheons before the Homecoming football game against Incarnate Word. “Man of La Mancha” will run again and the night will end with the annual fireworks display. 

On Sunday, some alumni returning for class reunions can look forward to reunion worship services and festivities will end with a matinee showing of “Man of La Mancha.”

Next year homecoming will look different, said Craig Fisher, director of alumni relations and annual projects, because of the addition of the on-campus stadium.

For a full schedule of this year’s events, alumniassociation.acu.edu. Contact alumni@acu.edu with questions. The alumni team also consists of Samantha Adkins, assistant director of alumni relations and Aubree Browning, alumni relations officer.

Event Summary:

Friday:

• Homecoming Carnival, 5-8 p.m. at the Beauchamp Bell Tower (between Campus Center and SWRC)
• Science Circus, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Bennett Gymnasium
• Musical “Man of La Mancha,” 8 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center
• Homecoming Candlelight Devotional, 8:15-8:45 p.m. at Beauchamp Amphitheater

Saturday:

• Club Breakfasts, various times at various locations
• Homecoming Parade, 9:30 a.m. beginning at E.N. 16th Street, Campus Court
• Homecoming Chapel, 11 a.m. in Moody Coliseum
• Homecoming Football game vs. Incarnate Word, 2:30 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium
• Musical “Man of La Mancha,” 8 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center
• Homecoming Fireworks, 8:45 p.m. at Hunter Welcome Center

Sunday:

• Musical “Man of La Mancha,” 2 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center