PREVIEW: Homecoming Boasts "Rocking" Events

By Connect Mason Reporter Edwin Mora

After the nerve-racking first few weeks of the spring 2008 semester, the time to rock it out to Homecoming Week events is almost here.

“Mason Rocks,” the 2008 Homecoming theme, will take place Feb. 11-16. It will kick off at 12 p.m in the JC Atrium with a performance by Urbanknowlogy 101 and the introduction of the Mr. and Ms. Mason contenders for the "Rock the Runway" pageant. The pageant itself will take place at 8 p.m in Dewberry Hall.

Wednesday Feb. 13 is the day to rock that Mason spirit during the 12 p.m. pep rally at the JC Atrium. Expect to see the Green Machine, the Masonettes, Mason cheerleaders and the basketball players at this event.

Attendees are provided the opportunity to build-a-bear for someone special in their lives. It will take place on Feb. 14 in JC News Center at 11 a.m.

According to Lee Warner, chair of the homecoming committee, the Build-a-Bear event is something new to expect this year. It gives people the chance to merge homecoming and Valentines Day.

Among other events, on Feb. 15 the Alumni Association will host the second annual beer tasting. Mason Alumni, 21 and over, are invited to come in at a cost of $20 per person.

On Feb. 16, expect the 10th Annual Block Party and Tailgate in Parking Lot A at the Fairfax Campus where you can fire up the grills and drink beer (those 21 and over) from 3-5 p.m.

“Wander through the heated tents to visit with friends; meet alumni, faculty, staff, and students; stroll through college row, and much more,” states the Homecoming website. It’s recommended that you get there early to land a spot.

According to Julia Wetzel, homecoming committee co-chair, students should look forward to the pageant where Mr. and Ms. Mason will be crowned. “The game and block party are going to be a blast too,” says Wetzel.

To conclude the week of celebrations, there is the 6 p.m. Mason Patriots vs. UNCW Seahawks basketball game on Feb. 16, which will be aired on ESPN, in the Patriot Center followed by the traditional fireworks set-off at the Mason pond.

Throughout the 2008 Homecoming week, you can expect contests, dances and concerts that give life to the “Mason Rocks” theme.

Mason Homecoming started as a festivity in the fall before a soccer game, according to the Homecoming website. This evolved about 10 years ago into what it is now, a week of celebrations aimed at getting students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community engaged in Patriot Pride before a basketball game.