The University of Colorado at Boulder's 2007 Homecoming festivities kick off Friday, Sept. 28, at 5:15 p.m. with a parade through Boulder's University Hill neighborhood featuring NASA astronaut Steve Swanson as Grand Marshal.
Other parade royalty will include Honored Faculty Professor Brett King and Honorary Marshals Deon Figures, Kanavis McGhee, Matt Russell and Alfred Williams, all former Buff and NFL players.
Student groups and local businesses are encouraged to participate in the parade. Those interested can register online at .
The parade will be followed by a pep rally at 5:45 p.m., a free outdoor concert on Farrand Field at 7 p.m. and a free comedy show with Comedy Works at the University Memorial Center at 10 p.m. on the CU-Boulder campus.
The annual event celebrates a return to campus for CU-Boulder alumni, most of whom will attend CU's gridiron matchup with the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Sept. 29. Game time is still to be determined and tickets are still available.
"Buffs Around the World" is the theme for 2007, according to Tyler Hartung of The Herd, CU's Student Alumni Association, and Homecoming committee member.
"CU is well represented around the globe," Hartung said. "When one looks at our high rate of study abroad, Peace Corps membership and extensive international research, we're truly a global campus. Buffs remain Buffs, however, wherever they may roam."
Floats will be judged on how well they relate to the theme, the overall design and the excitement level of participants. There will be four prizes given in each of three categories: traditional Greek chapters, residence halls and student groups. Prizes are $600 for first place, $400 for second place, $200 for third place and $100 for honorable mention.
Identification of the student group should be clearly visible for judging. Music, costumes and chants related to the theme are highly encouraged. At least 50 percent of the design of any float should be dedicated to the Homecoming theme.
Big Buffs-level cash sponsors for the 2007 Homecoming events include the city of Boulder, Downtown and University Hill Management Division and Parking Services, Tebo Development and The Daily Camera. CU sponsors include the Student Union, Arts and Sciences Student Government, Program Council, the Athletic Department, Housing and Dining Services and the Chancellor's Office.
King of the Hill sponsors include 29th Street, CU's Office of Student Affairs, The Onion and Hapa Sushi.
Black and Gold sponsors include PEH Architects, Pasta Jay's, Turnkey LLC, Hotel Boulderado, Colorado Capital Bank, Boulder University Inn, the Boulder Outlook Hotel, the Hill Alliance, Boulder Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the CU Book Store and CU's Office of the Provost.
For more information about parade routes, registration, rules, regulations, reimbursements and float-building tips, interested groups should go to the Homecoming Web site at www-ucsu.colorado.edu/home2007/homecoming_2007.htm.