Homecoming week starts today

Homecoming week begins today, and ASUW officers hope this year will be more sucessful than years past by making events appeal to more students.

"This year we're hoping to get the entire school involved," said Faraz Zarghami, ASUW arts and entertainment special events coordinator. "We are really hoping that students will take advantage of all the events going on throughout the week."

According to ASUW vice president Andy O'Connell, the programming of homecoming week is a lot more comprehensive this year than in years past.

"Homecoming is going to be a big deal this year," O'Connell said. "The residence hall community, the Greek system and commuters will all be involved."

The 2004 homecoming royalty make their first official appearance tonight at the UW Alumni Association conference room.

ASUW director of programming Jenni Backes has worked really hard this year to create events that might become long-lasting traditions, O'Connell said.

"The purpose of homecoming week is to have a lot of fun and to build more community around campus," O'Connell said. "It's going to be great this year."

The "Battle of the 'Fake' Bands Night" leads off campus events tonight in Kane 130 at 7 p.m. The lip sync and/or dance-off contest will allow members of the residence halls, Greek community and commuters to show off their moves as they battle each other to impress celebrity judges.

"The lip sync and dance-off should prove to have a great turn-out and be a lot of fun," O'Connell said. "A lot of people have been working hard on their acts, so they should be entertaining even if they aren't very good."

Not only does Tuesday mark election day nationwide, but also the "What's 'Happening for Homecoming' Day" from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the HUB lawn. Kiss 106.1 will be present with live music, while students bash an Arizona Wildcats pinata.

Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the HUB lawn will be "Fear Factor Day," where students can participate in food eating contests and giant inflatable foosball challenges. Music from 107.7 The End will play as students from the residence halls, Greek community and commuting group take on each other in a bit of friendly competition.

Thursday marks "Spirit Day" on the HUB lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will feature guest performances by the Husky pep band, the cheer squad, the pom squad and the Ethnic Cultural Center performing step dancing.

A pep rally in Red Square will highlight Friday's events at 8 p.m. Guest appearances will be made by the Husky marching band, the cheer squad, UW alumni celebrities, UW dignitaries, members of the 2004 UW homecoming royalty and the winning UW student teams from weekly events and competitions.

Live music by a percussion group will start at 7 p.m. and free food and prizes will be given out at 7:30 p.m.

"The pep rally will be a culmination of the entire week of events," Zarghami said. "It will build UW spirit to help students pump up for the game."

Homecoming week finishes with Saturday's football game against the Arizona Wildcats at 12:30 p.m.

"(Homecoming week) provides a channel for students to experience what the UW has to offer," Zarghami said. "(Through this week's events), we hope to encourage students to get out there and become involved at UW."