By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald
Homecoming hoopla is in full swing on both sides of the river this week, as students celebrate at both Enumclaw and White River high schools.
Students are in the midst of a full week of festivities, which include theme days and conclude with the traditional Homecoming dance. Activities open to the public include downtown parades, royalty coronations and, of course, football games.
Even those who care little about the annual high school highlight will want to take note, as traffic will be disrupted for a short time in each community.
In Enumclaw, royalty coronation takes place during a two-hour ceremony slated to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday. A Homecoming king and queen will be named from a court consisting of seniors Elaina Brassard, Megan Condon, Abbie Glick, Lindsey Jensen, Erin Rockwood, Stephen Aubert, Quinn Koplitz, Kyte Ramberg, Joshua Schipper and Erik Wheeler.
Enumclaw's Homecoming parade will roll through downtown beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, featuring floats representing a variety of clubs, organizations, classes and community groups.
At 7 p.m. Friday, the Homecoming game begins, with the EHS Hornets hosting the Bonney Lake Panthers. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Pete’s Pool field. During halftime, winners from the earlier parade will be announced, and the honors classes of 1957 and 1981, along with this year's royalty, will be featured.
The special week concludes with a dance from 9 p.m. to midnight at the high school commons.
At White River High, activities center around a Thursday night game in which the Hornets host Auburn Mountainview. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. on campus and halftime traditionally features floats by all four classes and special rides for royalty.
Royalty will have been determined a day earlier. Coronation begins with judging at 5 and continues with a 7:30 p.m. ceremony, all taking place in the high school theater.
White River's traditional parade along Main Street in downtown Buckley will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday. The Homecoming dance will run from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday in the high school commons.
Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.
