By NICK McCOY
Photos by PARKER NISBETH
Tiger Media Network
The darkness of the Thursday night sky quickly lit up during Fort Hays State University’s Homecoming bonfire near the Robbins Center on campus. The event included a pep rally, introduction of the Homecoming candidates and the burning of a massive pile of wood palettes to end the night.
Many different Fort Hays organizations were present at the event, including Outdoor Adventure and Wild World of Sports, which provided s’mores for students. Carson Kraus, a freshman with the organization, said the event provides an opportunity for students to celebrate their Tiger pride.
“It’s to get people together,” Kraus said. “This is a whole school get-together, for both upper and lower classmen.”
With the bonfire, Kraus said it kickstarts the weekend activities.
“It kicks off the whole thing,” he said. “It’s something fun to start Homecoming week and just get the ball rolling.”
Bringing students together was a sentiment shared by numerous others, both in organizations and just by those in attendance. It also served as a way to get students excited for upcoming events.
“It’s ultimately to get students excited for Homecoming week,” Fort Hays junior Star Parham said. “With Oktoberfest also happening this weekend, it sets the tone and keeps Fort Hays traditions going.”
Parham also emphasized how important the bonfire is for students and the various organizations and departments at Fort Hays.
“It’s an opportunity for student organizations, athletics, faculty and students to get together in a setting outside of the classroom,” she said. “The bonfire has a lot of activities happening that really perk the interest of students. There’s something for everybody.”
The bonfire attracted a large crowd of students, including those who don’t necessarily have a lot of experience with Homecoming.
“Back home, it really wasn’t that big of a deal,” said Lane Fritz, a freshman also assisting Outdoor and Adventure. “Early on, I was too busy doing other things, like working or hunting.”
Fritz understands the importance of Homecoming, and how it serves as a means of connectivity between students.
“It’s a good way to get out and make new friends,” Fritz said. “Maybe (it will) create some new friendships that will be a major role in my or your life.”
