By Billy Tuite —

The University of Wisconsin–Stout is about to get a little more patriotic come Oct. 6 with the beginning of Homecoming 2014. This year’s theme is “Red, White and Blue Devils,” and Blue Devil Productions Homecoming director Rachel Blumer established the theme as a way to invoke a strong school spirit.

“I wanted to wrap together having pride in America and having pride in being a UW–Stout student,” Blumer said. “Regardless of whether it’s the 4th of July, it’s a constant celebration.”

What better way to celebrate this great nation than a week full of activities and competition?

Monday, Oct. 6

The festivities begin with the carnival-themed kick-off event in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall at 7 p.m., featuring cotton candy, face paintings, a photo booth and so much more.

Also beginning Monday is the Medallion Hunt and the Penny Wars. This year’s Penny Wars will have UW–Stout organizations racing to fill jars with pennies to raise money for Disabled American Veterans of Menomonie. The team with the most pennies in their jar will be claimed the victor on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

The annual gravity race tradition continues with Tuesday’s Soapbox Race. Organizations will once again team up to build custom soapbox cars in just a few short hours. Teams will then race their cars downhill at 4 p.m. by Wilson Avenue and Second Street.

The Hot Dog Eating Contest, a new addition to Homecoming, will also take place Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the MSC Terrace. This one isn’t just limited to royalty or organizations, as all participating students will attempt to devour as many hot dogs as possible, as fast as possible.

“What’s more American than eating lots of food?” Blumer asks.

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Participating organizations will get to show off their personal banners and ‘Merica-themed pennants, which will be displayed by the Skylight Market of the MSC. Comedian Michael Harrison will close out the day with an irreverent performance in the MSC Great Hall at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9

The annual Couch-a-Thon event returns today at noon. In a true act of courage, organization representatives will sit on a couch in the MSC Amphitheater for a continuous 24 hours.

Later at 11 p.m., come to UW–Stout’s Favorite Pizza in the Front Plaza of the MSC and familiarize yourself with Menomonie’s best pizza establishments. Free pizza is part of the American dream, right?

Friday, Oct. 10

The royalty will get their chance to shine on Friday with the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen at noon. Archivist Heather Stecklein will present a history talk on “UW–Stout and Military Service” at 3 p.m. in the MSC Terrace and comedian Pete Lee will bring plenty of laughs to the Great Hall at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11

The final day of Homecoming concludes with America’s favorite sport. Come cheer for the Blue Devils at 2 p.m. as they face off against University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in a heated game of football.

For more information on these and other events, contact Blue Devil Productions at bdp@uwstout.edu or visit their website at bdp.uwstout.edu/homecoming

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