By Beth Alston

AMERICUS — It’s almost time for Georgia Southwestern State University’s Homecoming Week 2019, themed “Back to the ‘90s.” The week of Feb. 24-March 3 is filled with fun events for students as well as the community. Events are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
The homecoming events start on Sunday, Feb 24 with Color Up Campus from 2-5 p.m. at designated locations around campus, as well as a Hall and Door Decorating Contest in the residence halls hosted by the Resident Housing Association. These two events are for GSW students only. But that evening, from 7-9 p.m. at the Rylander Theatre, downtown, the public is invited to the Fresh Prince and Princess of GSW Homecoming Kickoff, hosted by the Student Government Association.
From 6-9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, there will be a Red Hot Chili Pepper Block Party and Chili Cook-off on Hello Walk. Come out and sample some delicious fixings and listen to music, dance and mingle.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, A Blast from the Past Parade will be held on Administration Circle. From 7-9 p.m. GSW students can enjoy EDM Glow Rage on Sanford Lawn with a paint party, dance music, and light show. Sybarite 5, as part of the Chamber Concert Series, will perform from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Tickets are available at the door.
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 27, GSW students are invited to compete in the Totally Awesome Chalk Art Contest at the Marshall Student Center. Judging is at 2:30 p.m. A blood drive will also be held that day, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Student Success Center conference rooms.
The GSW Hurricanes baseball team plays at 5 p.m. that day. At 5:30 p.m., the GSW Lady Hurricanes basketball team takes the court during Southland Day, followed by men’s basketball action at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 28 bring a Smells Like Teen Spirit Acoustic Music Competition and “Burning Man” from 7-9 p.m. on Intramural Field.
Friday, March 1 kicks off with an All That Kickback Crawfish Boil from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Marshall Student Center Patio. GSW softball action is at 1 and 3 p.m. Then, that evening from 5-8 p.m., Americus Main Street’ First Friday is themed Game Night in downtown Americus.
While GSW students can enjoy the ‘90s Video Games Night from 6-11 p.m. in the Student Success Center game room, an Alumni Awards Dinner will be held from 6-8 p.m. in the GSW Private Dining Room. Reservations are required.
Saturday, March 2 will also be a fun-filled day starting with the Alumni Association 5K and Fun Run beginning in the GSW School of Education parking lot. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K run at 8:45 a.m. Register online at gsw.edu/HoC0FunRun. A $100 cash prize will be awarded for the overall 5K winner (male and female).
At 10:45 a.m. a groundbreaking ceremony for the new baseball/softball hitting facility will be held in the softball parking lot.
From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Centennial Plaza, there will be the In Living Color Canes Tailgate featuring Grub Club and SGA. College sports are also on the agenda for the day with women’s tennis (time to be announced), men’s tennis at 11 a.m. Baseball games are at noon and 3 p.m. and women’s basketball at 1:30 followed by men’s basketball at 3:30 p.m. During halftime of the men’s game, the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned. A NPHC Step Show is scheduled from 8-11 p.m. in the Storm Dome.
The week wraps up at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 3 with a baseball game.