Nothing signifies a special event quite like a good parade, so Arkansas Tech University is bringing back an old tradition for its Centennial Homecoming celebration this Saturday.

For the first time since the early 1990s, there will be an Arkansas Tech Homecoming Parade in Downtown Russellville.

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. The route will begin across from the Russellville Chamber of Commerce office at 708 West Main Street, travel east on Main Street, take a left turn on Commerce  Street and proceed to the Russellville Depot on West C Street. Main Street Russellville will host a hospitality room at the Depot from 10 a.m. Saturday until the end of the parade for all Tech alumni and friends.

“Since this is the 100-year anniversary of Arkansas Tech, we wanted to plan some homecoming events that would bring back memories of days gone by,” said Angela Bonds, director of alumni relations. “The parade has continued to be a success in recent years as a Friday night student event, but by returning it to downtown for this year we hope to engage the entire community and spark excitement about all of our homecoming events.”

Following the parade, Tech alumni and friends are invited to the Party at the Plaza featuring live music, reunion groups, a free photo booth and free inflatable games for kids of all ages beginning at 3 p.m. outside Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field.

Mister Lucky, an Arkansas-based band that has opened for such artists as Hootie and the Blowfish, Sister Hazel and Tracy Lawrence, will perform a free concert.

Chartwells will be on hand to cater a tailgate meal beginning at 4 p.m. Cost for the buffet will be $5. Tech alumni in attendance will be able to enjoy the music and the food while catching up with some of their classmates.

“We will have space set aside under the tents on the plaza for alumni from every decade from the 1930s through today to reconnect with friends,” said Bonds. “Between the food and the great musical entertainment that we have planned, it should be a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and fun.” Other reunion groups scheduled to meet on the plaza outside the stadium beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday include all former football, volleyball, boxing, cross country and track and field student-athletes, all former Golden Girls dance team members, Tech Cheerleaders and Athena Troop members, all past members of the Tech homecoming royalty and alumni from the College of Business.

Those wishing to relive their Tech memories through photographs and artifacts can visit the Arkansas Tech Museum from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. The museum is currently hosting an exhibit entitled “The Changing Face of Campus Life: Selections from the Agricola and the Tech History Archive” as part of the university centennial.

The pre-game festivities will move inside Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field at 5:30 p.m., when Tech will crown its Homecoming queen.

Kickoff for the Gulf South Conference football game between Arkansas Tech and West Georgia is set for 6 p.m. Saturday.

Game tickets, which are $8 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens, will be available at the stadium ticket office beginning at 4 p.m. Those with a valid Tech identification card will be admitted free.

After the game, the Tech Alumni Association will present a fireworks display that Bonds believes will serve as the perfect ending to homecoming weekend.

“I think that the fireworks display will be one of those events that people who attend Homecoming will remember,” said Bonds. “Homecoming is about recalling old memories and making new ones. I hope that the fireworks and all of the other activities we have planned will make that possible for our alumni and friends.”

For more information about Arkansas Tech Homecoming 2009, call the Tech Alumni Office at (479) 968-0242, send e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.techties.atu.edu.