A week of Homecoming 2016 activities culminates on Saturday when the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns square off against the Idaho Vandals at 4 p.m. at Cajun Field.
But first, Homecoming Day begins with a Ragin’ Road Race at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center, followed by an open house.
The 5K run will be held from 8-10 a.m. It will begin and end at the Alumni Center, 600 E. St. Mary Blvd.
Niki Naquin, event chair, said crossing the finish line isn’t the only goal for some runners. Many participants run the race to display their Ragin’ Cajun spirit and pride.
“Lots of runners wear red or costumes to get fired up for Homecoming. There have even been runners who have worn tutus in the past. It’s a whole lot of fun,” Naquin said.
After the race, runners can enjoy red beans and rice, or fruit. They can also check out the Alumni Center’s open house, which will be held from 9-11 a.m.
Visitors can view the Homecoming Parade from the front lawn of the Alumni Center. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., at Blackham Coliseum. It will roll east on Johnston Street, turn right onto St. Mary Boulevard, and end at the Alumni Center.
Members of student organizations, who build and decorate floats, and the Pride of Acadiana Marching Band, will be featured in the parade.
A float carrying the Homecoming Queen Courtney Bergeron and her court will stop in front of the Alumni Center for a toast by University President Dr. Joseph Savoie.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns alumni Melissa Coronado Abner, John Breaux, and B.J. Ryan will also ride in the parade. The three former student-athletes, and the late basketball coach Beryl Shipley, will be inducted into the UL Lafayette Athletics Hall of Fame during halftime of the 2016 Homecoming football game.
Also on tap for game day will be a zydeco brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union’s Cypress Lake Dining Room. The event will feature music played by a DJ.
Some of the fare on the menu: chicken and sausage gumbo, Cajun brisket with Creole barbecue, smoked Gouda mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs with cheese and chives, boudin links, crawfish queso, Louisiana seafood macaroni and cheese, carved turkey breast, omelets, steamed asparagus, a salad bar, and desserts such as strawberry shortcake pudding and cream cheese tarts.
After the brunch, diners can take a free shuttle to and from Cajun Field for the football game vs. the Idaho Vandals at 4 p.m. at Cajun Field.
Brunch tickets are $12.99 per adult and $6.99 for children between the ages of 4 and 8. Children 3 and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Students who tailgate at the University Program Council tent from 1-4 p.m. outside Cajun Field can enjoy free chicken and andouille sausage pasta, and sign up for a drawing to “Kick for Cash” at halftime of the Homecoming game. One student will get the chance to boot a 25-yard field goal. A successful kick will bring a $200 prize.
Ragin’ Cajuns fans can support the football team by attending the game day Cajun Walk at 1:35 p.m. on Reinhardt Drive. Fans get the chance to greet players as they walk toward the Athletics Performance Center to get ready for the game.
The Pride of Acadiana Marching Band’s pregame performance will be held at 3:45 p.m. at Cajun Field.
Learn more about Homecoming 2016 at .