The Red Hawk cheerleaders led the good times at last year's Homecoming celebration. This year's event promises to build on tradition while incorporating some new programming.

Homecoming 2004 will be a weekend celebration that includes football, food, music, a festive parade, a rooftop party and a chance for alumni to reconnect with old friends and classmates. The three-day event runs Oct. 15-17. This Homecoming marks the 15th anniversary of the change in Montclair State's mascot from the Indians to the Red Hawks. In celebration, the theme for the parade is "The 80s--Born to be a Red Hawk."

The weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday with an alumni reception in the amphitheater. Several groups are planning reunions for the event including football alumni, hosted by Coach Rick Giancola; members of the Black Alumni Chapter; alumni who were part of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program; those who belonged to fraternities and sororities; and alumni of the Student Government Association.

Following the reception, alumni are invited to "Kaleidoscope," a concert by the Music Department (Click here for story.) After the concert, all are invited to sneak a peek at the final preparations of float building for the Homecoming Parade.

Saturday's events will begin at 11 a.m. with a continental breakfast at the Alumni House. Catherine Katz, director of Alumni Relations, invites all alumni, as well as students and their alumni parents, to join her at the breakfast. "We believe alumni deserve a grand homecoming," she said. "All of us at Montclair State feel that it really is a big deal to make it a special event when our alumni come back."

The annual Homecoming Parade along Valley Road will begin at noon. For a good view of the floats and the organizations' skits, grab a spot on the Bond House lawn. Once the parade ends around 2 p.m., the party will continue on the roof of the Red Hawk Deck, where a festival that includes, food, games and music will get everyone in the spirit of Homecoming. Last year more than 600 people attended the festival.

A varsity swim team vs. alumni meet will begin at 3 p.m. in Panzer Pool, followed by the Homecoming football game against the William Paterson Pioneers at 6 p.m. at Sprague Field. Football alumni and their guests are invited to watch the game from the VIP tent set up in the Red Hawk end zone.

The Alumni Association will sponsor an after-game party at Tierney's in Montclair beginning at 9 p.m. Alumni will enjoy the sounds of two bands and special discounts on food and beverages.

Homecoming weekend will conclude on Sunday with live music and refreshments from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Student Center.