Community kids of all ages are encouraged to join the fun at Denison University's Homecoming on Saturday (Oct. 20).

A pumpkin-carving contest is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. under the tent on the field adjoining Bancroft House on campus. Children will draw the faces, and adult helpers will do the actual pumpkin carving. Prizes will be awarded in various age categories. The student members of the Humane Society Committee of the Denison Community Association sponsor the contest. Pumpkins will be available at no charge, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Licking County Humane Society. If you plan to have your child participate, please call the Denison Alumni Office at 740-587-6576 in advance so enough pumpkins will be on hand for everyone.

From 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the same site, students from Denison's Honors Program will host a kids' carnival, featuring face painting and games such as ring toss and pinatas. There is no charge for participating.

New this year, is "Mutiny on the Bouncer" - a 36 foot long inflatable ship with slides and cushy surfaces for pint-sized pirates. Kids from three to 12 can mutiny to their hearts' content from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. aboard the bouncy Bounty. These activities will move into the Mitchell Center in case of rain.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Denison's "Doo-Dah" Parade will begin at Broadway and Main, proceeding along E. Broadway and N. Pearl Streets to the Mitchell Center. The zany promenade will feature festive bands, golf cart to full-size floats and the Big Red Buzzard. Area residents of all ages are encouraged to come out and enjoy the antics of this Homecoming tradition.

Please contact Tammy Stout, Homecoming coordinator, at (740) 587-6576 for more information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575