Sophia Fishman

Contributing Writer

Another year, another homecoming bonfire success. On Friday, October 10, East Stroudsburg University hosted their annual Homecoming Bonfire from 8 to 9 p.m. This kicked off the exciting weekend for homecoming with special guest appearances, performances and lots of freebies.

This was more than just a fire, there were so many spectacular performances including the dance team. The dance team showed off an awesome routine that was featured on stage in the center of homecoming for a huge crowd of supporters to watch.

East Stroudsburg’s majorette dance team, The Warriorettes also performed to many re-mixed songs that got the crowd pumped up and excited. Along with the dance teams, the band gave an amazing performance that showed off ESU’s school spirit. The performances set the night off to a great start and showed off that talent within East Stroudsburg.

The stage also featured some fall sports team recognition. Fall sports teams such as football, men’s cross country, men’s soccer and women’s field hockey got a shout-out to show appreciation for East Stroudsburg’s incredible athletes as each team walked on stage.

While they were on stage, announcements of current accomplishments the team made and upcoming games were mentioned to show off the amazing Division II program ESU has to offer.

The Homecoming Bonfire also featured many free give-aways. This included free long sleeve shirts featuring this year’s homecoming logo with the theme and message of “time of your life” with a cool futuristic feel. They also gave out free Philly Pretzels which were a hit, as well as food from many food trucks.

Free food vouchers were given out to use at many delicious food trucks including Bocto’s By III on Route, Al’s on the Go and Taco Town Catering Y Taquizas. Not only was the food a hit but so were the activities. Students got to enjoy fun and exciting blow up obstacle courses including a Log Slammer and a Race Through.

The bonfire itself was carefully monitored by the local fire department and was safely put out after 9 p.m. Students gathered around to enjoy the warmth of the fire and take many fun pictures with it.

After all the performances finished up, the party kept going with upbeat music playing through the speakers. The Homecoming King and Queen were also announced at the bonfire.

This year’s bonfire seemed to be a huge hit despite it falling on the start of fall break.

“We knew ahead of time it would be a challenge since homecoming weekend falls on Fall Break but we did the best we could do with the athlete schedule and hoped for the best,” said Joe Akob, East Stroudsburg University’s executive director of Student Activity Association (SAA).

This year, East Stroudsburg University had another great turn-out for their annual bonfire. This kick-off event has grown into a classic ESU tradition that is a great start to homecoming weekend. With lots of talented performances, athlete recognition, the crowning of homecoming king and queen, amazing food and lots of great music, it becomes a memory that many ESU students and alumni will have forever.