The annual ETBU Homecoming parade can be a fun occasion for many students and community members, but the efforts behind staging it are anything but easy.

"It's a lot of hard work," said East Texas Baptist University Student Activities Director Meagan Smith. "They can come up with an idea, but then you have to figure out how to build it and what materials to use and how to keep it under budget."

Courtney Case/News Messenger (ENLARGE)

Sigma Pi Sigma members Shane Kelehan, Josh Davis and Ryan Rogenmoser work on their Homecoming float at East Texas Baptist Unversity Thursday.

Students began constructing the Homecoming floats Tuesday and ceased working on them Friday. Ms. Smith said some students began building smaller pieces to their floats before Tuesday. Many of the students worked on the floats during the evening, using such supplies as cardboard and various other items.

"There's a lot of creativity put into it and a lot of engineering put into it," said Ms. Smith. "It's cool to see the students get so creative in building the floats. The students have been working hard."

Ms. Smith said about 13 student organizations are participating in the parade and about 10 students have been assigned to each float. She said the school has budgeted about $250 for the building of each float.

Since the theme of the Homecoming parade is "Back to the Future," many students have opted to build their floats based on various time periods.

"One group was making this big 1950s car," said Ms. Smith, who observed the students building floats Tuesday evening. "One group, they're being cavemen, so they made a giant volcano, and one group is making a chariot."

Ms. Smith said the community is invited to the parade as well as other Homecoming events on campus.

"We have a lot of stuff going on," she said. "It's going to be a lot different this year."

The Homecoming parade will be at 11:15 a.m. on campus. The Homecoming activities include:

TODAY

Women of Distinction breakfast at Phillips Dining Hall and Homecoming general breakfast in Bennett Cafeteria at 8 a.m.

Homecoming Parade, "Back to the Future," at 11:15 a.m.

"ETBU Family Picnic," under the tent at noon.

Lady Tiger Soccer vs. the University of Texas-Dallas at Cornish Soccer Field at 1 p.m.

Cheerleading event in Keys Gymnasium from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Retired Faculty Reception in Murphy science building from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Retired Faculty Reception in Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Retired Faculty Reception in Scarborough Hall from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Sigma Alpha Iota in Jenna Guest music Building from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

R.C. Kennedy Athletic Reception in Tiger Room in Ornelas Gymnasium from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Retired Faculty Reception in Jenna Guest music building from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Open House in all residence halls at 2:30 p.m.

Tiger Soccer vs. University of Texas-Dallas at Cornish soccer field at 3 p.m. Tailgate parties also begin at this time.

ETBU Homecoming Court at Ornelas Stadium at 5:30 p.m.

Tiger football vs. Mississippi College at Ornelas Stadium at 6 p.m. During halftime the Tiger Marching Band will perform. Also scheduled is the "Coming Home Queen" Ceremony.

Java Jam in Evelyn Linebery Hall Lobby at 9 p.m.

Sunday

Alumni Worship Service, "The Family Quilt," in Baker Auditorium at 9 a.m. led by Jimmy Sheffield and Jim Stevens.

Alumni Council, "Afterglow," at 10:30 a.m. at Golden Corral.

Worship at the Marshall Church of Your Choice at 10:45 a.m.