This year’s Homecoming weekend will be full of festivities for all, including a parade and dance. With this year’s theme, “Tell Your Story,” social clubs are working to create exciting floats, incorporating movement and other new techniques said organizers. Black Students’ Association is also hosting its second annual Homecoming dance at the Windsor Hotel.

Tom Craig, director of student activities and productions, works with the social clubs for the Homecoming Parade. Typically, the new pledge class of each social club is responsible for building the float. Some clubs have ideas already in place for their pledges to build on, while others leave it completely up to the new class.

Once the clubs have their new class, preparations for Homecoming really begin, turning plans from concept to reality. Even though Zeta Rho does not have a pledge class, they are still registered to have a float in the parade.

The parade is not just for social clubs. Any groups interested can apply through the Alumni Office, which oversees the parade. “The traditions (of Homecoming) help define who we are and what the experiences each student has at ACU,” Craig said.

Having those experiences as a student gives common ground to share with other alumni once graduated, even if they are from different years. Craig’s favorite part of Homecoming is seeing all the people come back.

“It’s one of those unique times where you can’t walk through a crowd without seeing someone you know,” said Craig.

Daniel Vargas, sophomore accounting major from Coppell, said the most exciting part of Homecoming is when alumni come into town, and you get to see people who have come to ACU.

Kiele Samuel, junior nursing major from Dallas and Sigma Theta Chi Keeper of the Key, has been involved with parade preparations. Preparation for Saturday’s parade began over the summer, where the social club picked their theme and gathered supplies. Physical work also went into the preparations with building, assembling and decorating.

Although mainly pledges work on the float, members have been involved.

“A lot of girls have been willing to step up and help out,” said Samuel.

The pledges this year are special because they are energetic and excited.

“It has been fun to watch something that we envisioned come to life, that our ideas are tangible thanks to those who have put in work. This year’s float is special because the theme encompasses who we are,” Samuel said.

“I really like when all the clubs get together and and make a float. Everyone lines the streets and watches them. It’s a fun time,” said Kirk Farrell, senior youth ministry major from Richardson. “The most exciting part of Homecoming weekend is the school spirit that is running through everyone’s veins. Everyone that you look to on your left and on your right is proud to be a Wildcat.”

BSA is hosting its second annual Homecoming dance, “Autumn in New York.” Last year, nearly 400 students attended.

The dance will be at the Windsor Hotel on Oct. 17 from 8-11 p.m. Tickets for BSA members are $5 and $7 for non-members.

The eight officers were responsible for planning, but took a lot of feedback from members. At meetings, members helped pick the theme and location. BSA decided against encouraging costumes or a particular style of dress, as it could potentially discourage students from coming to the dance. BSA wants to keep the dance as open to everyone as possible.

“BSA brings students from all walks of life, different cultures, ethnicities and grade levels, on campus and brings them together to have fun,” said Shakur Smith, sophomore marketing major from Indianapolis, Indiana.

The association decided to host the dance for students to have a fun and safe way to celebrate Homecoming while encouraging school spirit, Smith said. The event is expected to build community among students as it is not catered to one specific group of students.

BSA will also have a float in the parade. Officers and members volunteered to create the float, but anyone is encouraged to help out and get community service hours. In addition to Homecoming events, BSA will host a talent show in November.