Hickory – Lenoir-Rhyne University’s 2018 Homecoming Weekend will take place October 12-14 and feature daily activities leading up to the Homecoming game that pits the Bears against the Limestone College Saints at Moretz Stadium. The Homecoming court will also be presented. Kickoff is at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under.

This year’s lineup includes traditions such as the Homecoming parade and tailgate, with a new event featuring a Friday night kickoff party.

“This will be an exciting Homecoming weekend,” said Cat Serrin Niekro, vice president of institutional advancement. “Hundreds of alumni are returning, and we will have activities specifically designed to provide interaction and engagement between students, alumni, employees, and friends of the University.”

Friday, October 12

Homecoming activities begin Friday with the 30th Annual Hanley H. Painter/Bear Memorial Golf Tournament at Lake Hickory Country Club Catawba Springs Golf Course. Tee times are 8am and 1pm. The entry fee of $125 per person includes lunch. Registration is required.

The 17th Annual Bears Club Gala will be held from 7 to 11 pm at Moretz Mills in Hickory. This event features music, dancing, and fundraising, with both a live and silent auction. The cost is $50 per person and registration is required.

From 7 to 9:30pm, there is also a Homecoming kickoff party at Blowing Rock Draft House, located in Hollar Mill, Hickory. Admission is free.

Saturday, October 13

At 10am Saturday, gather on Stasavich Place in front of Shuford Gymnasium to watch the annual Lenoir-Rhyne Homecoming parade. Following the parade, a dedication of new bricks on the Walk of Honor will be held. View this growing stretch of more than 500 bricks, located to the west of the Martin Luther statue, honoring LR alumni.

The 2018 Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at 11am in a ceremony at P.E. Monroe Auditorium. Inductees are Meredith O’Connor ’09, Benny Moose ’70, Taylor Queen Pugh ’08, Ben Sheffield ’77, and Scott Walker ’91.

Before the football game, the Alumni Association will host its annual alumni tailgate from 11:30am to 1pm on the McCrorie Practice Field. Barbecue lunch and games will be available. Registration is required.

Following the game, shuttles will be offered to Hickory’s Oktoberfest, featuring live music, amusement rides, and food. Registration for transportation is required.

Sunday, October 14

The Homecoming celebration will conclude Sunday with the fourth annual Homecoming worship service at 11am in St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

Visit www.lr.edu/homecoming for additional information and to register for events.