The Homecoming festivities started off more pink than red. Flamingo foolery was in full effect for the annual Fill the Hill event. Thanks to inspiration from the Pail and Shovel Party’s 1979 prank, we plant pink lawn flamingos on Bascom Hill as part of a fundraising effort for the university. This year, Fill the Hill raised more than $511,000 from 3,334 individual gifts, more than any other year!
Campus turned from flamingo pink to Badger red as the festivities rolled into Friday evening. Badgers and the campus community came together for the annual Homecoming parade, sponsored by the Wisconsin Union and the Homecoming Committee. The cherished tradition lit up State Street with spirited floats, the sounds of the UW Marching Band, and enthusiasm from spectators.
The parade rolled right into the Block Party at One Alumni Place and Alumni Park. Thanks to our alumni DJs, the energy of the silent disco was electric. If Badgers weren’t dancing, they could be found crafting, getting their face painted, sitting in one of the photo booths, stargazing with Washburn Observatory, playing yard games, or enjoying hot chocolate and other treats.
The Badger spirit became even more exuberant when DJay Mando ’16 turned the tunes up on the Terrace stage for the pep rally. Highlights included Olympic swimmer Phoebe Bacon x’25, the spirit squad, the UW Marching Band, and a fireworks display.
The energy was just as electric at the Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show inside Shannon Hall, hosted in partnership with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council got the audience moving with excitement as they showcased various step, stroll, and salute routines.
If Badgers weren’t ready for the festivities to end on Friday evening, they could be found at the Badger Meet-Up: Hoco Edition! DJ Femme Noir got the late-night Badgers on their feet dancing at the Rigby. Others could be found networking, capturing memories in the photobooth, or “studying” for the 2nd annual Badger spelling bee!
A Homecoming football game needs a tailgate to amp up the energy, and at the Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate and Watch Party, Badgers mingled at the Pyle Center and Alumni Park, playing yard games, capturing the moment with an interactive photobooth, dancing to music, and enjoying a variety of food and beverages. Some stayed at watched the game on the big screen while others hurried off to make the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.
Did you catch the exciting game against Penn State? Though the Badgers led at halftime, the Nittany Lions roared back. Even in the face of defeat, the sellout crowd remained unfazed. Camp Randall at night is always an enlightening experience. Especially during Homecoming, it’s special to see Badgers of all ages come together to relish in UW traditions.
