Because of a scheduling quirk, Fall Homecoming Week is much earlier than usual at Ely Memorial High School.
Classes remain in session, but there’s also plenty of fun in store at the rite of fall actually takes place while the calendar still reads late-summer.
The festivities start Monday, run through the week and include a host of activities.
It’s also the first time that Ely will celebrate Homecoming during a four-day school week, which has prompted some changes to the usual lineup.
Nonetheless a full slate of activity is planned by the high school student council, culminating with the Friday night dance in the new gymnasium.
Homecoming comes much earlier than usual this fall largely because of scheduling issues with both the football and volleyball teams, which closed the usual late-September/early- October window for the festivities.
Homework, quizzes and tests may at least temporarily go by the wayside as students celebrate this week.
Pep rallies are a big part of the lineup, with the major pep rally of the week set from 10:10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. on Monday at the high school football stadium.
That’s where royalty will be crowned, class competitions and games are in the works and the pep band will perform.
Wednesday evening promises fun at the football stadium, with the annual Juniors vs. Seniors girls “PowderPuff” football game - set for 7 p.m.
Another pep rally is in store on Thursday during the final hour of the school day, with fall sports teams to be recognized, a game involving members of the senior class and more, with students in grades 6-12 all set to attend.
That evening Ely’s unbeaten volleyball team will take on Mesabi East, with the varsity clash set to start at 7 p.m.
The event winds up Friday, with the Homecoming football game between Ely and Mt. Iron-Buhl slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Ely School Stadium.
The Homecoming dance follows from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Dress-up days are also part of Homecoming, with students dressing according to various themes including Decades Day (Monday), Class Color (Tuesday), West Coast vs. Wild West (Wednesday), and Extreme Red and White (Thursday).
