NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University kicked off Homecoming week Monday night with its annual tree lighting ceremony in Uptown Normal.

The event closed streets in Uptown for the evening as current and former students participated in games, picked up free T-shirts and listened to music from WZND. One of the students in attendance was freshman Tessa Delao.

“I feel like it brings us all together. There’s a lot of people here,” Delao said. “So far, my favorite thing is the balloon animals.”

The celebration brought ISU students, alumni and members of the Normal community together. ISU President Aondover Tarhule spoke about the importance of that partnership during the event.

“The celebration of the partnership that we enjoy with the town of Normal, for those of you who live here, it’s easy to take it for granted. But I tell you this, this is not what you see everywhere,” Tarhule said. “This is special, and we are very grateful for this partnership, for this relationship, and for the very cordial atmosphere that we have with the town of Normal.”

Tarhule was joined by Student Government Association President Noah Montoya and Normal Mayor Chris Koos, who also addressed the crowd. Their remarks followed a performance by ISU’s Big Red Marching Machine, along with the university’s cheer and dance teams, in Uptown Circle. Alumni and current students gathered together to watch.

“Stuff like this is just really cool for students to see the family that you can get coming to ISU and what you can come back to after you graduate,” said senior and Business Week President Averi Stephens.

As the streets filled with people, the atmosphere of Uptown Normal grew more energetic. The ISU Gamma Phi Circus performed as students lined the streets, enjoyed food and met Reggie the Redbird.

“It seems like every year is much better and more exciting than the previous one,” Tarhule said. “Just when you think it can’t possibly be any better, the Big Red Marching Machine takes their game to a whole other level.”

Koos also spoke before the tree lighting and joined Montoya and Tarhule in leading the countdown.

“Normal applauds Illinois State’s current growth and welcomes academically motivated and civically engaged students, faculty and staff,” Koos said. “Uptown Normal is a vibrant destination where energy and opportunity meet. It’s the heartbeat of the town, and tonight, you’re pumping that heart.”

Homecoming festivities will continue throughout the week and conclude Saturday with ISU’s game against Youngstown State. The trees in Uptown Normal will remain lit through the winter months for the holiday season.

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