By Brad Duncan

Homecoming Week, Oct. 20-26, will feature several events with a 1920s theme, including the "Roaring '20s Homecoming Gala" and Casino Night, as well as the traditional pep rally and parade.

Oct. 14, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- University of Kentucky students, faculty, staff and alumni will be celebrating "Homecoming with Da Family: Fughedaboudit" during the 2002 Homecoming festivities.

Homecoming Week, Oct. 20-26, will feature several events with a 1920s theme, including the "Roaring '20s Homecoming Gala" and Casino Night, as well as the traditional pep rally and parade.

Events set for the week are:

Sunday, Oct. 20 - 5K Run/Walk
The 5K is Homecoming Week's kickoff event which helps raise money for the McDowell Cancer Foundation. Participants will receive a T-shirt as well as other awards based on finish. Registration is $10 until 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, and $13 on the day of the race. The 5K will take place 2 p.m. at the UK/Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Arboretum.

Monday, Oct. 21 - Casino Night
A new addition to Homecoming is Casino Night, which will be held at 8 p.m. in the Small Ballroom at the Student Center. Participants can play roulette, blackjack and slots for prizes.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 - Movie Night
In conjunction with this year's theme, a free showing of "The Godfather" will be held at 8:30 p.m. on North and South Campus.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 - Patio Party
All students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to the Patterson Office Tower from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free food and music.

Thursday, Oct. 24 - The Roaring '20s Homecoming Gala
Another new event, the gala will be held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Heritage Hall with live music, free food and a cash bar. Free tickets are available at the Student Center Ticket Office and black tie is encouraged.

Friday, Oct. 25 - Parade and Pep Rally
The Alumni Association will host a Parade Watch Party at 7 p.m. at the King Alumni House, at the corner of Rose Street and Euclid Avenue. The entire family is invited with free food and drinks. Alumni must register by Oct. 18, 2002, by calling (859) 257-8905 or (800) 269-ALUM.

The annual Homecoming Parade begins at 8 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium and ends at the Pep Rally at Stoll Field beside the Student Center.

Saturday, Oct. 26 - The Game
The Alumni Association will host the Pre-game Alumni Tent Party, at the WKYT Launch Pad at Commonwealth Stadium, beginning two hours before kickoff of the game. Reservations are required for a box dinner, which costs $10 per person. Call (859) 257-8905 or (800) 269-ALUM.

Homecoming week culminates as the UK Wildcats play the Georgia Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Saturday evening. About 1,200 tickets remain at $22 each and can be purchased at the Memorial Coliseum ticket office or by calling (800) 928-2287 or (859) 257-1818.

Paint the Town Blue
This event is one of UK's newest traditions. Last year, student organizations partnered with local businesses and painted the windows along Limestone Street and Euclid Avenue to showcase school spirit and enliven the local atmosphere during Homecoming Week.

Homecoming is presented annually by the UK Student Activities Board. Information about Homecoming 2002 can be found on the Internet by clicking here.