The bonfire may have burned out, but there is still plenty of time for the campus community to get involved in Homecoming 2016. Activities will continue from Wednesday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 22.

Homecoming week is held as a celebration of school spirit and a show of support for APSU football, according to Director of Student Life and Engagement Victor Felts.

Each of the week’s events leads up to the football game against Mercer University at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Fortera Stadium. Before the Govs take the field, the community will march across campus as part of the Homecoming Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Former APSU basketball player L.M. Ellis will serve as the grand marshal.

“Ellis was the first black basketball player to play at APSU,” Felts said. “Ellis [was also] the first black basketball player signed to play in the Ohio Valley Conference – breaking a longstanding color barrier.”

The Homecoming Queen and King will be crowned during halftime at the football game. 

“Through a popular vote by the student body, the Homecoming Court consisting of five women and five men is elected,” Felts said. “The 10 members of the court are interviewed by a committee of faculty, staff and alumni, who determine the Queen and King.”

Another campus tradition is the Homecoming Concert. This year’s artist is Frankie Ballard, a country musician who has scored three top 10 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart. Ballard will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Foy Fitness Center.

“[Homecoming] will be some of the most cherished memories of APSU you will reflect on as an alumni,” Felts said. “Friendly competitions, late night meals at Johnny’s Big Burger, [the] excitement of participating in the parade and the suspense of hearing the name of the Homecoming Queen and King announced make for memories that last a lifetime.”

For a complete schedule of Homecoming 2016 events and ticket information, visit http://www.apsu.edu/student-life/aphomecoming.