This year’s combined Homecoming and Parents Weekend kicked off with a bonfire Friday night at Meinen Field that ignited school spirit.
“I’m glad that Bradley is trying to start a Homecoming tradition,” said senior family and consumer sciences major Laura Poglitsh. “I hope that more people can participate and create community and a sense of tradition.”
Director of Student Activities Michelle Whited said this is the second year the Activities Council hosted the event and the turnout was much better.
“Last year we had between 100 and 150 students attend,” she said. “This year we had about 300 or 400 students. There’s definitely a lot of room for growth, but we’d like to keep ARH involved. The brought a lot of students to this event.”
The event featured a pep rally with performances from the basketball band, cheerleading team and the Bravettes poms team.
This year, ARH and Hall Council collaborated to put together the All Hall Fall Fest, a small carnival, before the bonfire began.
“The All Hall Fall Fest brought in more people, and then these people stayed longer,” said sophomore health science major Alex Warden-Michel.
The All Hall Fall Fest included activities such as making caramel apples and trail mix, decorating pumpkins, a petting zoo and bags.
While a large number of students came out to the bonfire, there were mixed reviews about the event compared to previous years.
“This year’s bonfire was okay compared to last year’s,” said sophomore nursing major Brandis Holloway. “Last year they had more food and glow sticks. But I love bonfires, so this event was great for Homecoming.”
Warden-Michel said this year’s event was more successful compared to previous years.
“This year was bigger, and more people came out,” she said. “There was more spirit.”