Howard Payne University’s extended “family” of alumni, students, personnel, friends and community members will gather this month to take part in the university’s Homecoming 2016 celebrations. More than 30 Homecoming events, many of community-wide interest, are scheduled Friday, October 28, through Sunday, October 30. Alumni and visitors may register for Homecoming events online. Some events require purchased tickets while many are free of charge. For complete details and the latest schedule information, visit www.hputx.edu/homecoming. This year’s theme is “The HPU Family Tree,” honoring the university’s commitment to fostering a close-knit, familial environment.

New events this year include Bonfire and Fireworks on the Bayou at Brownwood’s Riverside Park at 9 p.m. on Friday. Also new this year is the Alumni Association Remembrance and Reflection, a time designated to gather in memory of alumni who have passed away throughout the year. The remembrance event will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday at HPU’s Muse Plaza and Mall by the statue. Performances of “Bone-Chiller!” will be held at the HPU Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. each evening and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased through the Homecoming website or at the door on the evenings of the performances. Those who purchase tickets online for Thursday’s performance should contact the Office of Alumni Relations prior to the event at (325) 649-8044. The Homecoming Court will be presented during Homecoming Convocation at 2 p.m. on Friday in Mims Auditorium.

The Alumni and Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, sponsored by HPU’s Alumni Association, will be held Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Beadel Dining Hall of the Mabee University Center. During the banquet, the Homecoming 2016 honorees will be recognized. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. HPU’s Walker Memorial Library will host an Authors’ Reception and Archival Display on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. The parade will begin at the Brownwood Coliseum, travel down Center Avenue and end at the university’s Doakie Day Art Center. The best areas to view the parade are downtown and on campus along Center Avenue. HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts will present a Choir Concert at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the university’s Grace Chapel. The HPU Yellow Jacket football team will play McMurry University at 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Gordon Wood Stadium. Prior to the game, beginning at 3 p.m., all HPU classes are invited to participate in a tailgate event featuring games, snacks and beverages. Additional tailgates will be held for the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy reception and African-American Alumni Chapter reception.