This year’s theme is “Cheers to 125 Years of Catamount Pride!,” a tip of the hat to 2014 being the 125th anniversary of WCU’s founding. Homecoming events run from Oct. 22 through 26. Here’s a few that lead the ticket:

• A Spirit Night pep rally will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 in WCU’s Central Plaza. The event will feature a free cookout and appearances by the WCU cheerleaders, dance team, homecoming court, athletics teams and pep band.

• WCU’s Homecoming Parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 24 in downtown Sylva. University alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to cheer as community and student floats, Catamount cheerleaders, the homecoming court and the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band roll down Main Street.

• Football tailgating kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25, with the game starting at 2 p.m. versus the Citadel Bulldogs. Halftime activities will include recognition of the homecoming award winners and court, plus an announcement of this year’s homecoming king and queen. 800.344.6928 for tickets.

Other events on tap include a lecture on Thursday afternoon by a professor hand-picked by students, a homecoming golf tournament at Sequoyah National Golf Club in Cherokee on Friday, an sports alumni reunion at Tuck’s Tap & Grille in Cullowhee on Friday night, the Chancellor’s Brunch and Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday morning on campus, and the WCU women’s soccer game on Sunday.

www.homecoming.wcu.edu.

Entertainment on tap for WCU homecoming

Two shows are coming to Western Carolina University next week as part of its Homecoming festivity line up.

• The dance company Step Afrika! will showcase the traditional dance art known as “stepping” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. WCU students will be admitted free with a Cat Card. Admission for all others is $5. 

• A concert featuring ski punk band Reel Big Fish and rapper ACE Hood at 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Ramsey Center. www.ramseycenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.7722.

Also on the show bill is a concert by WCU’s Inspirational Choir at 3 p.m. Oct. 26 in the University Center Grandroom.