But for the most part, Homecoming 2005, which had the theme “Everything’s Gone Pop” as in music, was a festive occasion. The 1955 and 1956 football teams were honored during halftime to mark the 50th anniversary of their national championships, and the crowd cheered warmly for them. The 2004-05 men’s basketball team also was recognized for winning the conference title.

And back at the parade, hundreds of participants enjoyed getting dressed in various costumes and taking part in the university’s long homecoming tradition.

After dressing as Ariel, the title character of Disney’s “Little Mermaid,” Ponca City freshman Erika Martin said she had “so much fun, it makes me want to work at Disney World.” The only bummer for the Pi Beta Phi member was running out of candy along the parade route — even the many hours it took to build their Disney-themed float was well worth it.

Each person spent at least 15 hours this week on the float; the men of Delta Upsilon worked even more all night to put on the finishing touches. The work paid off as their float won first place in the large group and overall categories. Kappa Alpha Psi and Beta Chi Theta helped the DUs and girl Pi Phis with the winning float.

Meanwhile, the College of Education distributed more than 2,000 books for kids and teens free to everyone who wanted them. Misty Cate, chair of the dean’s student advisory council, said the college has a book fair each February and its proceeds pay for the books.

James S. Tyree

366-3539

jtyree@normantranscript.com