Community

Escanaba rallies around the Eskymos for Homecoming

ESCANABA -- The community is coming together Friday, Oct. 9, to celebrate Escanaba High School Homecoming, with downtown businesses and residents encouraged to show their Eskymo pride during the Orange & Black Out.

Businesses throughout downtown are encouraged to decorate their windows in orange and black, and employees to wear the school colors throughout the day. The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority is partnering with the Escanaba High School to help build excitement throughout the community and remind students that the entire community is behind them.

Kelly O’Connell, owner of T&T Hardware Store, Escanaba alumnus and former school coach, is putting together a tailgating display in front of his business for the Orange & Black Out.

"Homecoming, even when I was back in high school, that is a real big week," O’Connell said. "It’s such a special week for all the students and all the activities. The football game tops it off at the end. It’s just a great week to be an Eskymo."

O’Connell says one of the highlights of Homecoming is seeing the students take part in the downtown parade.

"It’s such a special night to see them come down to the parade, the freshman, sophomore and junior classes walking behind their floats," he said. "All the cheering going on and all the orange and black. It’s definitely a great spectacle."

Downtown businesses are getting into the spirit. Nyman Jewelers has decorated its window in orange and black, while Rosy’s Diner is displaying a "Go Eskymos" sign with pom poms that will be handed out during the parade.

"The pom poms are being distributed to add a little more school spirit to the parade," said Craig Woerpel, Escanaba alumnus and director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. "We hope people will cheer on the Eskymos as they go by and then take them to the game to support the team."

Lisa Glish, executive secretary to the principal at the Escanaba High School, says Homecoming is an opportunity for the entire community to reconnect with the school.

"Homecoming isn't just for the students currently attending Escanaba High School -- it's for our entire community, especially our alumni," Glish said. "Our students need to see and feel the support of their community. They need to know that being an Eskymo doesn't end the moment you graduate. It's a lifelong connection, a lifelong privilege, and something we should always be proud to carry with us."

Homecoming activities downtown will begin with businesses showcasing their orange-and-black window displays throughout the day.

The Homecoming Parade begins at 5 p.m., traveling along Ludington Street from 4 Street to 14 Street. Student floats will line up near the Delta County Courthouse, with the parade featuring the marching band, Homecoming Court and student floats.

The community is encouraged to line the sidewalks along Ludington Street to cheer on the students and show their support.

The National Guard will also have a presence at the DDA Center Court at 11 Street during the downtown festivities, with a fundraiser supporting the Escanaba High School wrestling program. Community members from 3 to 5 p.m. can make a donation, purchase Crumbl cookies and show their support for the wrestling program.

After the parade, downtown businesses offer an opportunity to grab a meal before heading to the Escanaba Athletic Field for the Homecoming football game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Glish says the message of Homecoming extends well beyond Friday night.

"Homecoming is a time to come together, show our support, celebrate our students, and remind them that once you're an Eskymo, you're always an Eskymo!" she said.