The Homecoming Carnival is back and will take place Friday, Oct. 15 from 5-8 p.m. on the Hardin Administration Building lawn and part of Campus Court. The event will be open to the ACU community and admission is free, however, inflatables will require wristbands, which will be $5 and can be purchased at the event.  

The annual event is a crowd favorite and popular within the community. Last year’s carnival was postponed last year due to COVID and was the first time in years that the homecoming committee has had to cancel the event. 

Jama Cadle, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and University Relations, says the homecoming carnival is a great opportunity for the ACU community to come together and have fun. 

“This year we will have food for purchase from Black Cat BBQ, Toasted Traveler, Southern Sno and Chartwells,” Cadle said. “There will be a petting zoo, face painting, Abilene Axe and inflatables.” 

Ivan Martinez, a senior graphic design major from Abilene, is a student director for homecoming and is helping coordinate the steering committee made up of about 23 people and about 60 volunteers that are helping make this event happen. 

“I am most excited to be opening up our campus to our alumni and other visitors this year and to see all of the smiling faces at this event,” Martinez said. “After having little to no events happening on campus, I am ready to welcome back visitors to show off what ACU has to offer.”

Despite the location of the homecoming carnival changing compared to previous years due to construction on Moody Coliseum, Martinez is hoping for a great turnout for this traditional event. 

“As soon as this weekend is over, we will immediately begin plans for 2022,” Cadle said.