Homecoming at Oklahoma State University

There is nothing quite like a homecoming at Oklahoma State University. This year (2019) was my third homecoming in Stillwater, OK and it is one of my favorite times of year. In Stillwater homecoming is celebrated from the Sunday before when we dye the fountain orange, filled with chili cook offs and harvest carnivals throughout the week, and closes with a parade and the Saturday game itself. However, my favorite part of homecoming would have to be the traditional Friday Walk-Around event. Several streets around campus are closed because of the massive crowds that flood south campus to see Greek Life's house decks, Residence Halls' Orange Reflections, a plethora of food trucks and food stands, and so much more. If you have never attended an OkState homecoming walk-around I would 10/10 recommend planning a trip to Stillwater for next year's festivities (tentatively set to fall on Halloween weekend 2020). 

It is important to know that OkState's homecoming is more than just an event for the students. Alumni and the Stillwater community play a huge role in different events that occur, overall attendance, and general support. Even so, the students put in hours - weeks - and months of preparation for an OkState homecoming, and it can look different for each student on what they participate or help with. There is a board of students dedicated to planning and coordinating homecoming as well as regulating the Residence Halls and Greek Life Homecoming Sweepstakes competitions. There are also a number of organizations that host alumni reunions, Greek houses only being one of them, throughout the weekend. Thousands of people flock to Stillwater to reminisce, see old friends, visit students, and to enjoy the fun! For a recap video of this year's homecoming check out this link. It does not do the week justice in showing all that goes on, but it will definitely give you an idea of why you should consider making your way to Oklahoma for a great homecoming event! To recognize the many students and supporters as well as show the schedule from homecoming check out the Homecoming Publication for 2019.

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5 Must-Dos at OkState's Homecoming Walk-Around:

1. Pineapple Food Stand

Every year there are a number of groups and programs that run food stands as fundraisers. My personal favorite for back-to-back years is the pineapple food stand! This group makes jerk chicken and serves it in a halved pineapple, but what I love is the "Cowboy Juice" served with dry ice in a fresh pineapple. It is very tasty, non-alcoholic, and makes for some great pictures! If pineapple is not your thing there are a ton of other stands to check out and support a good cause.

2. House Decks

Is it really a walk around if you didn't make it to see a few house decks? The time that goes into pomping these is insane, they are made entirely out of tiny pieces of tissue paper glued and stuck between chicken wire. A lot of the time there are big moving parts and intricate mechanics involved as well. This year Adam and I couldn't resist getting a picture in front of the Dallas, TX themed house deck.

3. Pictures with Pistol Pete and Theta Pond Lights

By Theta Pond you can get in line for a picture with Pistol Pete, Bullet, or just with your friends/family in front of the Go Pokes lights! Depending on the time of day either is a great photo-op!

4. Metro Minis Donut Truck

For all three homecoming walk-arounds Adam and I have attended we have managed to get a Metro Mini Donut Dozen to split! With pumpkin spice, pecan bomb, bedrock, and so many other flavors they have never disappointed! This year there were 2 Metro Mini food trucks out, one along Monroe with the other food trucks and another in between Greek houses. 

5. Meet up with friends!

Homecoming is all about "coming home" to Stillwater, get your friends and family involved! There are always a mixture of small groups, large groups, children, and even pets at the different events and tailgating. I really enjoy the time spent with those close to me.