Grand Valley State University began the festivities Wednesday night with chart-topping Jason Derulo’s concert, featuring hits such as “Riding Solo,” “In My Head” and “Whatcha Say.”

The bulk of the events will commence today with athletics, arts and academics all joining in to celebrate Willy Wonka-style.

The GVSU women’s volleyball team hosts Ashland University tonight at 7. in the Fieldhouse Arena.

The Shakespeare Festival also continues with the theater production of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” tonight at 7:30. Performances began last Friday and will continue tomorrow and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

“As You Like It” will be performed in the Louis Armstrong Theatre of the Performing Arts Center, and the special homecoming rate for all shows Friday and later is $6.

Saturday will begin with a 10 a.m. pancake breakfast on the Fieldhouse Arena grounds, which will feature traditional hotcakes as well as candied apple and schnozberry-topped varieties with a side of sausage links and maple-grilled onions. It costs $5 for adults, $3 for those ages 4 to 12 and ages three and under are free.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Lil’ Lakers Walking Parade will commence at the Children’s Enrichment Center. Kids of ages 3 to 8 can get their faces painted, play carnival games and enjoy prizes and refreshments.

The official homecoming address will take place Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Laker Turf Building. Get there early – the first 200 attendees will receive a 50th Anniversary gift and a chance to visit many on-campus groups at the campus expo.

GVSU’s President Thomas J. Haas will then give a special 50th anniversary address at 4 p.m. and introduce the procession of GVSU’s first-ever graduates, known as the Pioneer Class.

Finally, the Laker Marching Band will team up with the cheer and dance teams to lead a high-octane pep rally.

The Alumni Homecoming Tailgater takes place before Saturday’s 7 p.m. football game versus Northern Michigan University. The tailgate costs $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12 and will take place near the Turf Building.

The alumni tailgate food is also Willy Wonka-themed with dishes such as Chocolate Mole Chicken Legs, Blueberry BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Taffy Apple Salad and “the Grandest Candy Buffet in All the Land!,” according to GVSU’s homecoming website.

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