Belle Plaine’s annual Homecoming celebration kicks into high gear beginning today (Thursday). This week, students and staff have been building class floats in preparation for tonight’s parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Anticipation has been mounting all week, with the announcement of the king and queen candidates earlier this week, and each day designated a specific dress-up day. Monday was “Favorite Teacher Day,” Tuesday was “80s Day,” Wednesday was “Hippie Day,” today is “Class Color Day” and Friday is “Blue and Gold Day.”

Following tonight’s parade, activities will move to the high school gym, for the annual community pep rally, featuring the traditional salute to the seniors skit, produced by parents of the senior players.

Friday will be a shortened class day, as students will adjourn to a variety of afternoon activities in what is called the “Shin-Dig.”

First Lutheran Church will be serving the annual Homecoming Supper at the church from 4:30-7 p.m. The menu will include barbecue pork sandwiches, chips, salads and pie. The cost is a free-will donation, with all proceeds going to the Addison Stamp medical fund.

Tenth-rated Wapello comes to town to provide the football opposition Friday night. The Homecoming dance follows.