The smells of pulled chicken and pork wafted through the air, as photoshoots, games and prizes waited nearby for dessert.

Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Boots and BBQ, a homecoming week event, hosted businesses such as Porky’s BBQ and Kona’s Ice to provide food and refreshments free of charge to students. Students could sit down, play games or take pictures with Billy the Panther.

Thanks to the EIU homecoming committee, the university was able to set up and coordinate this and many other events throughout the week. 

Elly Szopinski, a member of the homecoming committee, said the process of planning homecoming started sometime around April or May with interviewing potential committee members. 

“Basically, you’d describe what qualities you had, and the committee would place you in an area they see fit,” she said. 

She went on to explain that there were a wide variety of positions, thus requiring them to meet once a week to check in on event ideas. Hosting the kickoff events is a way to get the students to come out and include themselves, especially to work their way towards the homecoming football game.  

One of the committee members running the photoshoot stand was social media handler and digital marketer Hannah Hayes. 

Hayes says she primarily does social media content and digital marketing.  

“I’ve been in charge of making the homecoming pamphlet and sending out letters,” she said. “The chair of homecoming asked me to be here, and it’s a good resume builder.”  

For the photo booth with Billy, shiny beaded necklaces and cowboy photo props were adorned on the table. Free handouts such as stickers were provided to passersby, as the workers tried to bring them over to the game wheel.  

Whoever would have their number called would have a few possibilities of winning gift cards or a free cowboy hat.  

With more games such as connect four and bowling provided, chances of winning prizes were high.  

The passing Panthers were not the only ones excited to participate in homecoming week.  

The owners of Logan GRAFX, Christopher Logan and Tiffany Logan provided airbrush painted EIU logo designs and pendants to those that stopped by.  

“We’ve been coming down here for seven to eight years in a row now,” Christopher Logan said. “We really like dealing with the open environment. Being able to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air and interact with the campus kids is great.” 

Students, vendors and members of the homecoming committee alike enjoyed the atmosphere, with hundreds of students stopping in throughout the day. With soul music playing to provide ambience, free food for the taking and games to be played, Boots and BBQ with Billy started out a packed homecoming week. 

Asha Hoak can be reached at at 581-2812 or at ahoak@eiu.edu.