COLUMBUS -- Over the years, Ohio State University's Homecoming has grown into a week-long celebration during which alumni, students, faculty and staff can immerse themselves in the Buckeye spirit.

This year's celebration, "Buckeyes and Beyond," will feature performances by comedian Carrot Top and the Ohio State Marching Band, house building with Habitat for Humanity, the Homecoming Parade, and lots of food and fun.

"It's going to be a great week," said Jenn Quinn, Homecoming student co-chair. "We've tried really hard to make Homecoming something every student at Ohio State can get excited about. There are academic events, diversity programming, community service and so much more. I hope everyone will come out and show their Buckeye spirit."

Events include:

October 4 through 6

· Vote for Homecoming King and Queen online or at various locations.

Tuesday, October 10

· Maya Angelou, 7:30 p.m., Value City Arena. Tickets are available to Ohio State faculty, staff and students only. *

Wednesday, October 11

· Join Habitat for Humanity and Homecoming for Under Construction on the Oval, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Brown Bag Lunch, noon, Kuhn Honors & Scholars House, 220 W. 12th Ave.

· Brown Bag Series, "Latinas/Latinos of OSU Building the Bridge Toward the Millennium," 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Stradley Hall, 138 W. 11th Ave.

· Listen to the poetry of David Citino and students from the Department of English, 4 p.m., Hillel Board Room, 46 E. 16th Ave.

· OSU Men's Soccer vs. Cleveland State, 4 p.m., Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Tickets are $1 in advance.

· The Buckeye Blast featuring Carrot Top, TBDBITL, cheerleaders and Ohio State athletes, 7 p.m., at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door with a Buck I.D., and $15 without.

October 11 through 14

· Build your Homecoming Parade float, from 10 p.m. on Oct. 11 through 6:45 a.m. on Oct. 14, at the Jesse Owens Recreation Center North, 2151 Neil Ave.

Thursday, October 12

· Under Construction on the Oval, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Enjoy a free lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Oval, sponsored by CBS Radio.

· Fireside Chat: Buckeyes on the South Pole, 7 p.m., Kuhn Honors & Scholars House. Paul Berkman, research scientist the Byrd Polar Research Center, will lead the discussion.

· Residence Hall Students Involvement Rally, 7 p.m., Raney Commons, 47 Curl Drive.

· Residence Life Leadership Rally, 7 p.m., location TBA.

· Dixie Chicks in concert, 7:30 p.m., Value City Arena. *

· See the stars during the Homecoming Star Show, 8 p.m., Smith Lab Observatory, 174 W. 18th Ave.

· Alpha Phi Alpha African-American Homecoming Pagent, 8 p.m., 131 Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave.

· Edgar Cruz-One Man Act, 9:30 p.m., Woody's in the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.

Friday, October 13

· Explore exciting study abroad opportunities during the Study Abroad Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oxley Hall front lawn, 1712 Neil Ave.

· Experience an array of international food, music and fun at the Diversity Festival, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Kuhn Honors & Scholars House and the Browning Amphitheater.

· Check out rec sports at the Adaptive Rec Sports Expo, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Oval.

· Brown Bag Lunch, noon, Kuhn Honors & Scholars House. Learn about the Peace Corps.

· Residence Hall Lobby Decorating Challenge judging, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

· Watch the miniature rocket take flight on the Oval, 3:30 p.m.

· Homecoming Court Reunion Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road. This event is by invitation only.

· Residence Hall Student/Faculty Games Night, 7:30 p.m. Location TBA.

· The Black Watch in Concert, 7:30 p.m., Value City Arena. *

· A Slice of Rice, Frijoles and Greens, 8 p.m., Ohio Union Conference Theatre. Come experience a poignant mix of diversity, song and drama. Sponsored by A Place for Community Dialogue at the Ohio Union.

· OUAB's Late Night at the Ohio Union, 8 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy games, food and fun.

· Homecoming Step-show and After Party, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Valley Dale Ballroom on Sunbury Road.

Saturday, October 14

· Experience one of Homecoming's greatest traditions -- the Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m. The parade starts at 17th Avenue, heads toward North High and ends at 12th Avenue.

· Cheer the Buckeyes to a victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 12:10 p.m. kickoff.

For more information about Homecoming, check out www.osu.edu/homecoming/

*For ticket information, contact the Jerome Schottenstein Center box office at 1-800-GO-BUCKS or visit www.ticketmaster.com

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