Homecoming is a special time of year in Chippewa Falls. While most high schools across the state and nation celebrate homecoming in some form, it has become an especially important community event for Mighty Cardinals Nation.

Most alumni will remember taking part in homecoming festivities when they attended high school themselves. The Student Council plans great events for the entire week of homecoming, which this year will take place September 25-30.

The week's big event is when the Chi-Hi football team takes on Eau Claire North on Friday, September 29 at 7 p.m. After the game, there will be the annual bonfire and pig roast that has become such an important part of homecoming over the years. That event begins at 9 p.m.

Saturday night is the dance, where students will take part in one of the most memorable events of their time at Chippewa Falls High School.

Here are the themes the Student Council has planned for Spirit Week 2017 (feel free to participate):

• Monday: Favorite Color Day. Students will dress in their favorite colors.

• Tuesday: Favorite Team Day. Students will dress in the colors of their favorite team.

• Wednesday: Favorite Holiday. Students dress in their holiday best—depending on which holiday they pick!

• Thursday: Favorite Decade Day. Students wear clothing from their favorite decade.

• Friday: Spirit Day. Students show off their Chi-Hi Spirit!

The following are sporting events and activities happening throughout the week:

• Monday: Men’s Volleyball (Juniors vs. Seniors) at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday: Dodgeball (Freshmen vs. Sophomores) at 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday: Powderpuff Game (Juniors vs. Seniors) at 7 p.m.

• Thursday: Hall Decorating at 4 p.m.

• Friday: Homecoming court coronation in the last period of the school day. Parade starts at 4:40 p.m. Football game at 7 p.m.

What sometimes gets lost in all this fun is that homecoming is really about alumni coming back home to Chi-Hi, celebrating and remembering the good times they had in school and with friends during their high school years. To that end, the school district invites all alumni to come out to the football game and enjoy the pig roast and bonfire afterward.

This is a terrific event for the entire Chippewa Falls community, including students, families, community members and, of course, our many alumni. We hope to see you there!