It’s time to break out the orange and black – and no, we’re not talking about getting pumped up for the next Cincinnati Bengals game. It’s homecoming this week at Wilmington High School – and there’s no shortage of events for students, alumni and the community to show their Hurricane pride.

Spirit Week started Monday at the high school, with students participating in fun dress-up themes like “BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom” to “Onesie Wednesday.” And remember, on Friday, wear pink.

The festivities continue Thursday with the homecoming parade beginning at 6 p.m. at Wilmington High School on Thorne Avenue. The parade will travel down West Main Street, across Farquhar Avenue, down Locust Street across Mulberry Street to the General Denver, then back up West Main Street to Alumni Field at the high school.

Immediately following the parade is a community pep rally at Alumni Field, where the Wilmington High School Homecoming Court will be introduced, and the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.

Before the Friday Night Lights shine, the afternoon kicks off with a student pep rally at the high school, followed by the 68th-annual Wilmington Band Chili Supper from 4-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 per meal, which includes a bowl of chili, a side of applesauce or coleslaw, a dessert and a drink. All proceeds benefit the Wilmington Band. Tickets can be purchased from a Wilmington High School Band member or online at bit.ly/chili-supper-tickets.

The Hurricane take the field at 7 p.m. against Batavia. Admission is $8 at the gate or online at bit.ly/homecoming-game-tickets.

Homecoming week wraps up Saturday night as Wilmington High School students experience “Miami Nights” at the homecoming dance at Alumni Field.

Students can buy tickets for $20 during their lunch period now through Friday. Laurel Oaks students can purchase tickets during lunch with a student council member. Students may bring one guest, but no middle school students or students over 20 years old.