CEDAR FALLS -- A daylong Homecoming celebration at the University of Northern Iowa kicks off early today, and the festivities aren't expected to end until late this evening.

The day starts at 8 a.m. with the 11th annual 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Panther Pacers Running Club. Participants are scheduled to meet at the West Dome parking lot. The cost is $20. For more information, visit www.pantherpacers.com/data/downloads/pprc_2008_5k_registration.pdf.

With streetscape construction closing parts of College Hill, the traditional parade will not be held. The Homecoming Committee opted instead to entertain guests at the inaugural Panther Festival on the corner of College and West 23rd streets.

"We know this is a huge tradition for everyone, and that nobody wanted to see it go away, but we had no idea where the construction was going to be when we started planning this spring. We explored other options for the parade, different routes, but there was either no place to stage the parade or the roads weren't conducive to large vehicles," said Erin Wheat, the program coordinator of campus activities and Homecoming adviser.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., there will be a "virtual" parade, with university organizations creating table-top floats and disseminating information. At 10:30 a.m., UNI President Benjamin Allen and Athletic Director Troy Dannen will welcome guests to the campus. Alumni Award recipients and Hall of Fame recognition also will be announced during the ceremony.

Food, inflatable games and the Panther Zone will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. UNI athletes also will sign autographs and participate in games with young visitors. The cheerleaders will apply face tattoos, and TC will hand out copies of his coloring book.

Campus tours will depart from the Alumni House starting at 11 a.m. and noon on Saturday.

The UNI football team takes on the Illinois State Redbirds in the UNI-Dome. Kickoff is at 4:05 p.m. Then, the UNI volleyball squad will face the Braves of Bradley University in a 7:30 p.m. matchup at the McLeod Center.

For Homecoming details, visit www.uni.edu/homecoming.

Contact Emily Christensen

at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.