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Elkin High School celebrated Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 5, with a parade through downtown Elkin at 4 p.m. and a football game against North Wilkes starting at 7:30 p.m.

Elkin students were thrilled when the home team won the game, 21-20. The fall-themed Homecoming dance followed on Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight with an admission price of $10.

Although Homecoming festivities have become much-anticipated traditions, yearbooks from past years reveal there was not always a Homecoming at Elkin High School.

Throughout the 1930’s and 40’s, there was a football game that was celebrated early in the semester, but it did not carry a particular name. The school also crowned a Football Queen who was elected and voted for by the student body. This tradition carried on until 1953 when the first Homecoming Queen was crowned and the dance was held after school. Since 1953, there has been a Homecoming game and a dance held to celebrate the crowning of a new queen.

The preparation before the festivities takes several weeks. Homecoming attendants are nominated and elected by the student body and the dance and meal are planned weeks in advance by students with help from sponsoring teachers. The marching band spends hours practicing songs and movements on the field.

Attendees also meet to practice marching in during the half-time show and to take pictures for the yearbook. The football team prepares for the game by practicing throughout the semester and students pump them up at a pep rally on the day of the game.

After the pep rally, the fun begins as Homecoming attendants get ready for the parade. During the parade, the attendants ride in cars and wave to the crowd. At the game that evening during half-time, the attendants are escorted onto the field and presented to everyone.

Whether Elkin wins or loses the game, the next night is an official celebration, and a dance is held at the Elkin Elementary gymnasium which has been decorated earlier in the day by students and staff. That night the Homecoming Queen and King are crowned and enjoy a special dance together.

Although preparing for Homecoming is a great deal of work, students and staff feel it is worth all of the effort.

As Hailey Mounce, Elkin High senior, commented, “It’s great fun to get dressed up and hang out with friends.”