Homecoming and Family Weekend set for Oct. 5-7

Pioneer Pride will be in full force once again during Alfred State College’s annual Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration, scheduled for Oct. 5-7 this year.

Kicking off the “Fun Friday” festivities will be the fifth annual spirit rally and bonfire at 7 p.m. in the parking lot at Pioneer Stadium. Pioneers and their families are encouraged to come show their Alfred State spirit and cheer on a student team during the continued friendly competitions such as the Not-So-Naked-Half-Mile and the tug-of-war. Additionally, a live band will perform as participants enjoy the bonfire while indulging in a walking taco, brick oven pizza, cotton candy, and plenty of other goodies that will be available.

At 10 p.m. Friday, the annual Alfred’s Got Talent show will take place in the Orvis Activities Center auditorium. This fun annual event includes the many talents of Alfred State students, faculty, staff, and alumni who sing, play musical instruments, recite poetry, perform magic, dance, and much more.

A chili competition, car show, and a corn hole competition will get things started on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Pioneer Stadium. Later, the eighth annual Carly’s Club Race for a Cure 5K run/walk will take place at 11 a.m. beginning in the parking lot behind the baseball field.

Registration for the 5K will begin at 10 a.m. at Pioneer Stadium, and the run/walk will occur on the Alfred State cross-country trail. The cost to participate is $15, which will be donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for pediatric cancer research. The first 75 participants will receive a free T-shirt.

At noon on Saturday, the football team will go head-to-head against the Maritime Privateers at Pioneer Stadium. The End Zone Party for fans 21 and older will also take place at this time and location. The post-football barbecue and party will begin at 2:30 p.m. in a tent near the stadium. This is a great opportunity to gather with family, alumni, and friends to listen to one of the area’s favorite bands, Lucky Number. Two local breweries will be participating in the festivities, and the final Pioneer Challenge events – pie eating and stump contest – will also be taking place.

Continue the fun with magician Daniel Martin who will perform on Saturday night at 6 p.m., in the Orvis Activities Center auditorium. Martin has quickly become one of the most in-demand performers touring today. His high-energy performances are a unique fusion of exhilarating magic, psychological illusions, and sarcastic improv, which continually leads to record-breaking crowds at theaters, universities, and celebrity events worldwide.

Martin has received a number of awards, including “Best Variety Artist,” “Best Male Performer,” and “Entertainer of the Year.” His award-winning magic has been experienced on Netflix, CBS, NBC, the BBC, Discovery, and by millions online.