Edinboro Homecoming 2012

The  heathery hues of distant hills emerge as the sun burns off the morning fog.  October First has arrived with all the color, warmth, and, yes, cool rains, of the Fall season.  Our walks on the maple lined paths of Edinboro University are cheered by the brilliant red leaves of one tree in contrast to the orange or yellow of another.  At week’s end, Alumni will return to campus to enjoy one of the great days of Edinboro:  Homecoming.

Many events are planned to suit the interests of a variety of people from the traditional to the contemporary.  Highlights of Friday and Saturday’s activities can be found here.  On Friday, I plan to play in the tennis tournament with a much more capable partner than I deserve, and attend the Class Reunion and Affinity Group celebrations later in the day.  Saturday, my wife and I will gather with friends and enjoy the Tartan Brunch, followed by the annual Homecoming Parade.  Hopefully this year it will be back up to it’s old standards.  The traditional Homecoming football game is at 2:00 p.m.

Erie County bragging rights will be up for grabs when a meeting of football teams with proud traditions takes place in Sox Harrison Stadium on the campus of Edinboro University.  The Fighting Scot’s take on local rivals, the Gannon Golden Knights, and the game should prove to be hard fought and exciting to watch.  Gannon (1-4) has lost to Slippery Rock, Clarion, and most recently to No. 10 Bloomsburg.  The Scot’s (2-2) have won two away games in a row and will come home to keep their streak alive.

Games, marching bands, celebrations, and cheering people of all ages will bring Edinboro to life this weekend in a setting of matchless Fall colors.

Mercer Community Band

Last night my wife and I attended a Banquet held to honor the Mercer Community Band's 35th anniversary.  The band, led by Dr. Hendley D. Hoge, is labeled as "The Best Free Entertainment on a Friday Night.  Indeed it must be, for each Friday night the Court House Square in Mercer, a community in Western Pennsylvania, is crowded with band and audience.

Patterning the concerts after the popular concert master and composer, John Philip Sousa, Dr. Hendley has arranged highly entertaining programs that appeal to a wide range of people, both in the audience and in the band.  He adds spice to the concerts with skilled vocal and instrumental soloists, and treats his musicians with respect and appreciation. 

Not only has the Mercer Maestro found a key to success with music, he has included other All-American favorites such as an ice cream social and home-made pie.  There is always an aura of excitement and a feeling of community Americana on a Summer Friday night in Mercer thanks to the energetic Dr. Hoge and the wonderful staff of volunteers he is able to recruit.

The 35th Anniversary Banquet was an opportunity to reflect on the success and growth of the Mercer Community Band and a chance to recognize the contributions of individual members.  Needless to say, a good time was had by all.