Glitz and glam visit McHenry Community High School starting this weekend for the annual homecoming celebration with an old time Hollywood theme.
Organizers are hoping homecoming events continue to set records as some new features are added to increase participation. Some of the new additions include more decorating at the school buildings, more business participation, and food trucks at the coronation celebration following Sunday’s parade.
Charlotte Alexander, student council president, said the dance will feature a red carpet, paparazzi, live stream interviews and more.
All events carry the vintage Hollywood theme, which is something that has broad appeal to students. Already, organizers are expanding plans for the dance with the expectation of a record-breaking crowd.
“So far, the feedback we’ve had on it has been really positive,” Alexander said.
Mitch Stengel, English instructor and director of student activities, said homecoming activities and participation continue to grow.
Starting with a parade and coronation event in downtown McHenry on Sunday, homecoming week includes spirit days, a powder puff football game, a home football Friday Night Lights game and a dance on Saturday.
Homecoming is traditionally a time to welcome alumni back to school, so alumni events are also planned for the parade and coronation and Friday’s home football game.
Homecoming festivities truly kicked off Sept. 21 with Paint the Town decorating for the week. Nearly 40 downtown businesses and clubs are participating in the annual decorating tradition, with several clubs painting more than one storefront. Businesses participating are not only along the parade route but throughout the downtown area as well.
“We have the most businesses and groups involved in a really, really long time,” Stengel said.
“There are a lot of businesses that are with us for the first time.”
Sunday’s parade through downtown kicks off at 1 p.m. from Freshman Campus, 1012 N. Green St., and heads north on Green Street to Veterans Memorial Park. In addition to crowning homecoming king and queen, there will be entertainment and food trucks at the park. Organizers hope to see the parade and coronation continue to grow into a big community event.
Mario’s Cart, taco restaurant, and Riverside Bake Shop will have food trucks with refreshments available.
Stengel said they are also hoping for a great turnout for Wednesday's powder-puff football game that pits junior girls against senior girls in flag football. Concession stand profits from the powder-puff game will benefit two student clubs: Latin American Student Organization and Black Student Union.
Stengel said he hopes to continue to see homecoming events grow. “We’re trying to do big things to get kids to want to participate in events,” he said.
To see all things homecoming, visit the district’s homecoming web page.
