Nicholls will host a week of activities leading up to the homecoming football game against the McNeese State University Cowboys Saturday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. The theme for homecoming is “Colonels on the High Seas.”

Homecoming week will begin with a kickoff in front of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union Monday, Oct. 15. Following the kickoff, student organizations will participate in Paint the Town Red beginning at 4 p.m.

The local community is encouraged to display “Geaux Colonels” signs. Students will paint store and campus windows, chalk sidewalks and create signs to post around the University.

The Student Programming Association will sponsor pirogue races Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. at the bayou side. According to SPA President Alyssa Daigle, SPA will have four pirogues available for the race.

“We are hoping for a good turnout,” Daigle said. “We encourage all of the student organizations to get involved.”

There will be a car-decorating contest in front of the student union from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Oct. 17. A homecoming pep rally will be held at noon. SPA will sponsor games and contests in which students can win prizes from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

According to Daigle, students will be able to take a free picture behind a pirate theme background. There will also be treasure chests in which students can search for prizes.

The homecoming parade will start at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at John L. Guidry Stadium and move north along Audubon Drive. Immediately following the parade, the Nicholls Alumni Federation will sponsor a bonfire in the field south of Babington Hall.

A comedy and open mic night will be held Oct. 19 beginning at 8 p.m. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to perform original poetry, music, stand-up comedy or a skit in the Cotillion Ballroom of Bollinger Memorial Student Union.

The Student Government Association and Student Educators and Leaders will sponsor a pre-tailgating celebration in the ballroom after the comedy and open-mic night. There will be dancing, music, food and a cash bar.