A new pre-game tailgate for students hosted by Cardinal Corps will add to homecoming festivities this week.

Sponsor Ben Moeckel said they will serve hot dogs and chips at the middle school’s back playground from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday. The football game against Louisburg will start at 7 p.m.

Earlier in the week, boys soccer will celebrate senior night against Topeka at home on Tuesday while the volleyball team hosts its pink out event against Ottawa at home also on Tuesday.

This year’s homecoming theme is High School Musical, student council sponsor Eric Magette said. The theme is meant to coincide with the music department’s fall musical later this fall.

During spirit week, students will have the chance to dress up for each day’s theme. Here’s a list of all of the theme days:

Monday: Beach day

Tuesday: Sharpay (Pink) Day

Wednesday: Nerds vs. Jocks

Thursday: Y2K

Friday: Wear your homecoming T-shirt

Students can get a homecoming T-shirt for free if they dress up for one of the theme days Monday through Thursday. They can also get a T-shirt if they attend any school events during the week, like the homecoming parade.

The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at West 15th and Maple and will last about 15 minutes, ending at CPA Park. There will be around 20 floats showcasing youth, middle and high school sports, as well as community organizations.

At the end of the parade, there will be a pep rally on Main Street with a performance from the band and cheer squad, as well as an introduction of the fall sports teams. Athletic Director Cara Kimberlin said anybody from the community is welcome to join in on the celebrations downtown.

Homecoming candidates were announced last Friday, and students will vote for king and queen during the school day this Friday. Students will vote through an online form sent out by the school, Magette said.

Here is the list of homecoming candidates:

Candidates for king:

• Silvi Janovec Perez
• Errol Siemon
• Nate Steinlage
• Connor Watson

Candidates for queen:

• Adira Ewy
• Brette Hayden
• Addy Hemphill
• Payton Hoover

Homecoming royalty will be crowned during halftime at Friday’s football game.

Students will gather in the high school commons directly after the game for the homecoming dance, which ends at 11 p.m.