A wave of Blue Tiger pride is sweeping through downtown Jefferson City as merchants have decorated their storefronts with signs welcoming alumni back for Homecoming.
Southbank Gift Company, 110 E. High St., is one of those businesses. Southbank owners said LU's Homecoming has become one of the store's favorite times of year; they can't wait to see all the familiar faces return to town.
"We like to decorate our store every year," said Jill Bednar, owner of Southbank. "We normally do a Blue Tiger discount for our customers, and it's always great to see the returning alumni."
Just up the block, Central Bank painted its windows with the Blue Tiger and LU logo earlier in the week.
"Since we are participating in the parade and will be having a popcorn stand set up as well, this is a good way to get everyone's attention," said Sandy Hentges, Central Bank marketing director.
For many business owners in Jefferson City, they have ties to the university as alumni.
LU alum Wendy Gladbach of Ana Marie's Bridal shop is a 1989 graduate; she said she loves the Homecoming festivities,including Saturday's parade.
The parade is set for 9 a.m. Saturday; it will start downtown at the intersection of Broadway and High Street. The Homecoming game is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.
"I believe Homecoming is a big deal because the community is very much in tune with the university," said Gary Plummer, president and CEO of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. "Every year, the university branches out more to the residents, and we see that especially for Homecoming."
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
A Lincoln University sign sits in the front of Samuel's on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 in Jefferson City.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
A Lincoln University sign sits in the front of Hawthorn Bank on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 in Jefferson City.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
A Lincoln University sign sits in the front of YoYums on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 in Jefferson City.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
A Lincoln University sign sits in the front of Southbank on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 in Jefferson City.