First, it was Tuesday and the Ma Kelly Luncheon at Case Hall. Well, it was a freshman dorm the last time that I was there. But today, it is a fabulous dining facility for the Eastern Kentucky University students. The ticket price was a bit more than Ma charged her loyal students and local farms for lunch. However, one of the nice things about the day was that for every ticket purchased, a student got a free meal. Salute to Ma Kelly and her long-time generosity to all the EKU students!
Next, it was off to Rupp Arena on Thursday to hear Carrie Underwood sing a few songs with two Sigma Chi brothers from EKU. This event was not an official EKU Homecoming event but just happened to be one for three old friends. If you get a chance, I would recommend catching Carrie and her theatrics in concert. Her band is fantastic, and Carrie can hold a note longer than most. And yes, she did change clothes eight or nine times and rode the length of Rupp in a swing and back in a globe. The show was intense and very entertaining.
Friday morning was back to business and The G Scramble at Arlington. Kudos to Stephanie Giacchini for toasting her father Tom before play. Thank you to Mr. Paintsville, Mike Trimble and his lovely wife Melody for carrying me around the golf course and to my friends Jeb Baker and Tommy Allen for putting up with me and my sorry putting stroke. By the way, Mike Trimble and Tom Giacchini were college roommates and fraternity brothers. Thanks Mike for all your support!
After the scramble and a delicious dinner at the Mule Barn, Jeb and I made our way downtown and caught the tail end of the Homecoming Parade. Then, we met up with Darlene, my girl Friday and photographer, for the Family Dog event. And, I will have to say that I have seen some long lines, but this one was the longest ever in my book. The line started at the front door of The Family Dog, went up to the top of First Street, and then back down First Street to Water Street. Thankfully, I was a former bartender and got to go inside and work for a few minutes. I must say thanks and kudos to Dan McBride, the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University, for presenting the idea to Robbie and Jean Robinson and making it all come together. Thanks to the Robinson family, the Richmond Chamber, and the staff at EKU who made Friday night of Homecoming weekend a huge success. Last but not least, I must thank Mother Nature for the beautiful fall weekend.
I almost forgot to say hello to Jack Bricking, the retired owner of Poopeotzies, for welcoming the crowd downtown Friday and hosting his friends at the birthplace of Poops next to The Family Dog. Thanks Jack!
Homecoming Saturday was another beautiful day for tailgating and football. The tailgate crowd was one of the largest in years for Homecoming. It was great to visit with many friends, fraternity brothers, little sisters, former players, and many others throughout the entire day and evening. The win was the icing on the cake to a great Homecoming!
