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Homecoming is the time of the year when many FAMU students set their books aside and really start to have fun.

In some cases, parents come to visit their college students during the week, only to find themselves with nothing to do while their children enjoy the festivities.

While students are out partying and having all sorts of fun, it seems there are few events for parents and alumni to participate in, but officials say all the events are open to parents.

“Homecoming is for everybody; students, alumni, parents and the community,” said Saundra Inge, assistant director of student union. ” Nothing is non-parent.”

Parents can start the homecoming week 2004, by attending the worship service Sunday, at 6 p.m., Featuring guest speaker the Rev. Calvin J. McFadden from Community of Faith Church in Lee Hall auditorium.

There is also a golf tournament at the Jake Gaither Golf Course Friday from 9-12 p.m. Other events hosted include a fashion show on Tuesday, dorm step show on Wednesday, and a comedy and talent show on Thursday.

Events are first-come-first-serve to students, but parents and alumni are more than welcome to attend. However, there will be $3 admission fee.

The Student Government Association will be hosting a barbecue Wednesday, from noon to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at FAMU Park. The bar-b-que is free of charge.

The Homecoming Convocation will be held in Gaither Gym at 10:10 a.m. Friday Oct. 22.

Parents and alumni may also choose to participate in the Taste of Tallahassee food festival hosted by Vibe magazine at noon. Participants can get a taste from noon until 6 p.m. behind the General Classroom building.

The Taste of Tallahassee “is basically just a barbeque with giveaways,” said Student Activities receptionist Stefanie Kenchen.

A band festival will be held in Bragg Memorial Stadium Friday at 1:30 p.m. and the parade begins Saturday at 8 a.m., from Frenchtown.

Just in case parents get tired and hungry from walking around in the typical Florida heat, Jet magazine will host a tailgate party at 11:30 a.m. Saturday behind Howard Hall, located on Wahnish Way next to the baseball field.

To prepare for the Homecoming Football Game against Savannah State, parents and alumni can drive down to the Faculty Club House on Adams Street for the pre-game reception at noon. Directly after the game, at 7 p.m., the Battle of the Bands will be held in Bragg Stadium. If that does not spark the interest of parents and alumni, the Faculty Club House will host the post-game alumni barbeque also at 7 p.m. In addition, there will be a gospel concert in Lee Hall at 8 p.m.

After the Homecoming fun and excitement a Rattler fever after-party will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Just in case FAMU-oriented events are not enough for Homecoming participants, Top Flite Club will hold its usual events during homecoming. Wednesday is karaoke night and Friday from 6-9 p.m. is happy hour. Martini night is also Friday night and begins right after Happy Hour. Saturday is Ladies Night from 8-10 p.m. Prices may very from normal because of homecoming.

Contact Shayla Cooper at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com