Troy University homecoming activities officially kicked off Monday, but activities for the whole community begin today.

“Homecoming is off to a wonderful start. The student competitions are in full swing, and everyone is looking forward to the weekend’s events,” said Morgan Hooper, vice president of campus activities at Troy University.

“The Student Government Association would love to see members of the community at any of these events. The pep rally should be a real treat. We are looking forward to hearing from the Sound of the South, the cheerleaders, Coach Larry Blakeney and watching the spectacular fireworks show.”

Pike County Chamber of Commerce President Jenniffer Barner said it is important for members of the community to participate in homecoming festivities.

“It is important for community members to participate in Troy University homecoming events because it is a great way for alums and friends of the university to celebrate the traditions and honor the contribution that the university makes to Pike County,” Barner said.

This year’s homecoming theme is “Dreams of the Past, Visions of the Future…A Legacy of Champions.”

To add to the excitement that comes with homecoming, the university will celebrate 100 years of football.

“Homecoming is always a special time for Troy University, but this year’s activities take on even greater meaning as we celebrate 100 years of football,” Alumni Affairs Director Faith Ward said. “We hope that our alumni and friends will take this opportunity to return to campus, enjoy the homecoming activities and reflect on the storied tradition of Trojan football.”

Among the events are: A football signing by the Troy Trojans Football team at 6 p.m. Thursday in Barnes and Noble Bookstore.

The Troy University football team and cheerleaders will be in attendance to sign homecoming posters, which will be available while supplies last.

The bookstore will also offer a special promotion, which is buy any Troy T-shirt and receive 25 percent off the homecoming T-shirt.

A campus crawl will be held Friday. It’s a two-mile run or walk around campus, and is open to all.

Registration will begin at 2:15 p.m., and the run begins at 3 p.m. and will end at 4 p.m.

Those interested in participating can turn the $10 entry fee and form in at Trojan Center Room 215 or fax it to 670-3213.

Anyone interested in touring the campus can arrive at Claudia Crosby Theater, which is located across the street from the Troy University Quad, at 5 p.m.

There are two options for a tour, a shuttle tour or a walking tour.

The homecoming pep rally will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Quad.

“We will hear from cheerleaders, Coach Larry Blakeney and be introduced to the 2009 Homecoming Court,” Hooper said.

A fireworks show will follow with the South of the South Marching Band performing during the show.

Saturday will be full of events for everyone to attend.

The annual homecoming parade will get under way at around 10 a.m. on Oct. 24 in downtown Troy.

The Chamber of Commerce is the parade’s sponsor.

Tailgating will begin at 11 a.m. The Clipson Reunion and many alumni chapters will tailgate at the Alumni House, which is located at the corner of George Wallace Drive and Highland Avenue.

Shortly after noon, the Trojan Walk will begin in front of Trojan Arena and go through Tailgate Terrace to Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.

Pre-game celebrations will begin at 2 p.m. in the stadium and homecoming game kickoff against the North Texas Mean Green is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

The homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime, the alumni of the year awards will be presented and the Alumni Band and South of the South will take the field.