Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and other signs of fall are appearing in the region, but things are heating up in Edinboro as the campus prepares for a tropical-themed Homecoming celebration, October 11-12.

Music, art, reunions and activities for all ages will fill the PennWest Edinboro campus and the surrounding community throughout both activity-packed days.

“Homecoming is one of our most treasured traditions,” said Amanda Brown Sissem, associate vice president of alumni engagement and Edinboro campus administrator. “The festivities bring together students, alumni and the entire community to celebrate what makes Edinboro special for each of us.”

The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, with the sold-out Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Outing at Culbertson Hills Golf Resort. Proceeds from the outing support initiatives of the Edinboro University Alumni Association.

Men’s and women’s cross country will host the Edinboro Invitational at 4 p.m. on the Doug Watts Cross Country Course. Volleyball is set to face Gannon University at 6 p.m. in McComb Fieldhouse.

Friday events conclude with the Alumni and Friends BBQ from 6-8 p.m. in the green space behind Doucette Hall. The BBQ will include special recognition to members of the Class of 1974.

The Kilted Mile gets underway at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Participants will begin the race at the crosswalk on Meadville Street between The Edinboro Hotel and Flip Café. The midpoint turn will occur at the corner of Meadville Street and Darrow Road, with runners turning back to finish at the original starting line.

Saturday morning’s main event, the annual Homecoming Parade, will step off at 11 a.m., beginning at the edge of campus on Darrow Road, proceeding north on Meadville Street and looping back to campus via Waterford, High and Normal streets. Members of the community can register to participate in the parade here.

Trevon Jenifer, a three-time Paralympics Gold Medalist and 2011 Edinboro graduate, will serve as grand marshal for the “Tropical Paradise” parade.

After the parade, a family-friendly festival will fill the campus lawns bordering Meadville Street with children’s activities, local vendors and student art club demonstrations and sales. A complimentary lunch for the community will begin at noon on the lawns behind Doucette Hall.

The Fighting Scots football team will host the IUP Crimson Hawks at 2 p.m. in Sox Harrison Stadium. Craft brews from the Lake Erie Ale Trail will be available for purchase inside the stadium at the Alumni and Friends Tailgate (must be 21 or older).

Details about these and other events can be found at www.pennwest.edu/boro-homecoming.