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Hobo Day Ranked A Top College Homecoming Tradition

Follow @Nate_WekSDPB

According to BuzzFeed, here are the six best college homecoming traditions. South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD was ranked No. 1, and this Saturday, the tradition will come alive again for the 103rd annual Hobo Day celebration.

1. Hobo Day

South Dakota State University students celebrate homecoming dressed as hobos for what is called 'Hobo Day.' This Saturday, October 24, 2015, fans of the blue and gold Jackrabbits will gather near main street downtown Brookings for morning kegs and eggs, irish coffee, and the annual Hobo Day parade. The parade features the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band, national, state and local politicians, and hobo themed floats.

2. The Lantern Walk

'At Arizona State University students, faculty, and alumni celebrate homecoming by climbing the “A” Mountain at night with lit lanterns.'

3. The Spirit Splash

'At the University of Central Florida, students make the most of the sun and charge into the reflecting pool. They then proceed to party.'

4. Lighting the Y

'At Brigham Young University, students hike to the top of “Y” Mountain carrying light bulbs. The first 150 students to complete the hike have the honor of screwing a bulb in!'

'You just have to hike up this mountain at night. No big deal.'

5. The Gator Growl

'The culminating moment of the University of Florida’s homecoming is the Gator Growl, a massive pep rally usually headlined by incredibly well-known comedians and musicians. That’s the late Robin Williams performing in 1982.'

6. The Game-Ball Run

'Every year members of Virginia Tech’s ROTC Ranger Company run the game ball 100 miles around the campus while offering people the opportunity to touch the ball that will be used in the game.'

Nate Wek is currently the sports content producer and sports and rec beat reporter for South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism Broadcasting and a minor in Leadership. From 2010-2013 Nate was the Director of Gameday Media for the Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League) football team. He also spent 2012 and 2013 as the News and Sports Director of KSDJ Radio in Brookings, SD. Nate, his wife Sarah, and three sons, Braxan, Jordy, and Anders live in Canton, SD.