This year's True Blue Foam activity features new foam machines and tarps. (Jonathan Hardy)
BYU Homecoming Week 2017 is Oct. 3-7 and this year's theme is 'loyal, strong and true.'
The schedule includes traditional activities like the True Blue Foam, homecoming parade and homecoming dances. A new event called 'Honor Day' will be introduced to BYU campus this year.
Justin Hunt, an executive director of Y activities, helped plan the homecoming barbecue, True Blue Foam, homecoming blue pancakes and the homecoming casual dance. Hunt said the homecoming barbecue kicks off Homecoming Week on Tuesday after the devotional from noon to 1 p.m. at Brigham Square.
Students can be a part of one of BYU's oldest traditions on Oct. 3 with Hike and Light the Y. The first 800 students get a free mini-lantern and free shuttle service is available from the east law school parking lot to the trailhead. The hike begins at 6 p.m.
True Blue Foam, similar to a Slip 'n Slide with blue foam instead of water, takes place on Oct. 4 from 4-6 p.m. at the Helaman field. Hunt said new tarps have been bought for the event.
'(There have) been problems in the past with the strength of the tarps at True Blue Foam. Sometimes (the tarps) have had tears in them,' Hunt said. 'We got new tarps specifically for this event. The tarps are stronger so I think it will be a lot better this year.'
Hunt said there will also be new foam machines.
BYUSA Vice President of Student Honor Simeon Toronto said the BYUSA is organizing the first Honor Day on Oct. 5.
'It is going to be an Amazing Race-type activity where students can compete to do a series of activities and fun projects,' Toronto said. 'The winners will receive prizes and be collaborating with Y-Serve to help serve students.'
Prizes include a $200 Visa gift card and BYU Nike gear.
BYU football faces off against Boise State on Oct. 6 at 8:15 p.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The ROC will hold its first ever pre-game tailgate for the student section from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the grass lot north of the stadium.
Recreation management student Brenna Cluff is helping plan the homecoming parade on Oct. 7 from 10a.m.-12 p.m. following the annual Cougar Run 5k. She said the traditional blue pancakes will be served near the law school parking lot, duck pond and below the Maesar Building.
Volunteers help make the traditional blue pancakes for the BYU homecoming parade (Photo from BYU Homecoming website)
Exercise and wellness student Madison Campbell is helping plan the formal and semi-formal dances.
'The semi-formal dance theme is, 'A Knight To Remember,' and will be medieval themed,' Campbell said.
Campbell said the theme for the formal dance is 'Around the World.'
BYU students dance at the BYU Homecoming dance in the ballroom. Photo from BYU Homecoming website (Jonathan Hardy)
BYU student Tanner Poulton helped plan the casual dance. He said the theme for casual dance is 'True to Your Roots.' The dance will be a 2000s theme and include CD decorations, a photo booth and a DJ.
'It's going to be a lot of fun. There's going to be good food; it's really cheap,' Campbell said. 'We do our very best to keep it very affordable for students.'