Philomath students are in the midst of homecoming week, a stretch that includes a homecoming parade Friday morning and the crowning of royalty during halftime of that evening’s football game.
The parade, which typically features the PHS band, cheerleaders, royalty candidates and a lot of spirit-inspired students, is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the high school. The route will go west to the elementary school on Applegate Street before backtracking to South 19th Street and turning south toward Clemens Primary and Philomath Middle School.
The high school traditionally crowns its royalty at halftime of the Friday night football game. For years, the process involved only the selection of a queen from a field of princess candidates. Last year, the celebration also included the selection of a king.
The homecoming football game against Stayton is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Clemens Field.
Leading up to the parade and game, PHS students will gather at Clemens Field at 7 p.m. Wednesday for the annual powder-puff football game, which involves females playing the sport while being coached by Warrior players. Following the game, PHS students will then enjoy a bonfire.
On Thursday, the girls soccer team will play at home with a 4 p.m. match against Newport and the volleyball team will be in the PHS gym at 6 p.m. for a showdown with Sweet Home.
On Saturday, the annual Paul Mariman Invitational will be staged on the home cross-country course. A homecoming dance is scheduled for Saturday evening in the high school auditorium.
This week, students on the various campuses are participating in spirit week activities. At the high school, “Homecoming Dress-Up Days” has included various themes — expect to see a lot of cowboys and cowgirls Thursday and kids running around in black and gold Friday.