Black Hills State University Swarm Committee plans for a wicked homecoming
13 September 2019
“Lions and tigers and Sting?” The Black Hills State University 2019 Swarm Week will be held Sept. 22-28 with the theme, “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” inspired by the Wizard of Oz. Each year, BHSU students and the community come together to celebrate tradition and school spirit over a week of activities including the parade and homecoming football game.
President of the Swarm Committee and elementary education major from Lusk, Wyo., Amber Jensen says, “I think what makes Swarm Week so unique is all the different types of programs happening throughout the week and how involved the community gets to be.”
Community members are invited to Swarm Week events throughout the week including the Kiddie Carnival, Wednesday, Sept. 25, under the Jonas Skywalk from 4–6 p.m.; Coronation and Burning of the BH on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.; and the Parade Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. The BHSU football team will face Fort Lewis College in the homecoming game Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. in Lyle Hare Stadium. To wrap things up for the weekend, the BHSU volleyball team will face New Mexico Highlands at 5:30 p.m. in the Young Center after the homecoming football game.
The two highlight events for students to keep in mind this year are the Wizard’s Festival and Witches Quest. Students have the opportunity to receive free gifts and participate in a variety of fun games at each of these events. Teams of two that participate in the scavenger hunt will compete across campus to win prizes as well, and a dinner will be provided during the games at the Wizard’s festival.
The Wizard of Oz film debuted in 1939, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. This year’s Wizard of Oz inspired Swarm Week theme and tagline, “There’s No Place like Homecoming” was selected to appeal to alumni and students.
“We love when alumni come back to Spearfish for Swarm Week. We want them to know this is still their home and we want current students know this is their home away from home,” Jensen says.
The full schedule for the 2019 Swarm Week is listed below.
Sunday, Sept. 22:
Hypnotist Kerry Sharp, Jacket Legacy Room at 10:45 p.m. (sponsored by Campus Activities Board)
Balloon Drop, Student Union Atrium at midnight
Monday, Sept. 23:
Judging of the banner and department/office decoration competitions
Wizard’s Festival, Campus Green from 5 – 7 p.m. (dinner will be provided)
Tuesday, Sept 24:
Pep Rally, Lyle Hare Stadium at 7 p.m. (sponsored by Jacket Pack)
Outdoor Movie Showing: Wizard of Oz, Lyle Hare Football Field at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 25:
Voting for King and Queen, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the Student Union or 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the library
Kiddie Carnival, Underneath Jonas Skywalk from 4 – 6 p.m. (sponsored by Reading Council)
Illusionist Trigg Watson, Meier Recital Hall at 7 p.m. (co-sponsored by CAB)
Thursday, Sept. 26:
Witches Quest Scavenger Hunt, meet in the Student Engagement Leadership Center – Student Union 210 at 3 p.m.
Coronation, Meier Recital Hall at 7 p.m.
Burning of the BH, Meier Circle directly following the coronation
S’mores Bar, Crow Peak Recreational Area at 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27:
Alumni Awards Luncheon, Joy Center at noon (Tickets required)
Hike to the H, meet in the student union atrium at 3 p.m. (co-sponsored by Collegiate Outdoor Leadership Program)
Float Prep, Young Center Field House from 5 – 9 p.m.
Hall of Fame Banquet, Jacket Legacy Room at 6 p.m. (Tickets required, contact Tom Wheaton at Tom.Wheaton@BHSU.edu)
Volleyball Game, Young Center at 7 p.m.
Homecoming Dance, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch from 9 p.m. – midnight (transportation leaves from the Library Circle every half hour)
Saturday, Sept. 28:
Swarm Days Parade, Jackson Blvd. and Main Street at 10 a.m.
Tailgate, Joy Center at 11 a.m. (co-sponsored by Jacket Pack)
BHSU Football Game, Lyle Hare Stadium at 1:00 p.m.
Volleyball Game, Young Center at 5:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday: Munchkin’s Munchie Shack, Student Union Atrium from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.