Costumes, banners, laughs and ’Cats, fall has begun and the Northern Michigan University’s annual Homecoming Events have commenced. The annual parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 23 and will stretch down Third Street.

The event will be led by the NMU 1967 and 1981 football teams.

Student organizations, NMU dormitory halls, sports hall of fame inductees, athletic teams, local businesses and many more will come together to show off their Wildcat pride before Saturday’s homecoming football game against Northwood University.

A group of 13 judges will decide winners within the three competitive categories of decorated cars, banners, and floats participating in the 2016 homecoming games.

While participants can enter noncompeting, those competing will decorate their cars, floats and banners like a board game such as mouse trap or guess who, to fit this year’s homecoming theme of games, said Special Events Coordinator Megan O’Brien.

“I’m looking forward to the parade and bonfire most, of all the homecoming events,” O’Brien said.

After the parade, warm up with a fire and friends at the homecoming bonfire beginning at 8:30 p.m. and will end around 11 to midnight.

The bonfire will be held in the Magers Hall commuter parking Lot 11. Double Trouble Disc Jockey services will be providing music at the bonfire and students are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and food.