An opportunity for students, alumni and the community to come together, the University of Wisconsin Homecoming 2009 began with kick-off events last Friday and will conclude with the Badger Huddle and football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday.

“The main vision of UW homecoming is the celebration of being a Badger,” said Whitney Bauer, Homecoming Committee executive co-chair.

Whether a current student or an alumnus, this year’s “Bucky’s Game Show Challenge” has offered many events to come together with other Badgers. One new event, the AV Club’s Jarringly Obscure Trivia, was the most successful so far this year, according to both Bauer and Karyn Christianson, Homecoming Committee executive co-chair. Many students attended in self-made groups, in addition to the established competing student groups.

According to Bauer, lots of planning ensures events run smoothly. Planning for the next year’s Homecoming begins almost immediately after the week ends, allowing the committee to add new events each year, as well as perfect those that were not ideal.

One event that was not as successful as expected was Bucky’s Quest, the outdoor scavenger hunt that tested participants’ knowledge of the UW campus. Attendance was low due to the cold weather, and even some snow interfered on the day of the event.

In addition to adding new events each year, the committee considers bringing back previously featured events. One such event that might make its way back into the Homecoming events schedule for next year is the Charity Ball. Bauer said if there is a public outcry for its return, there’s a chance that it could make a come back.

Christianson said she would like to see more involvement from students who do not necessarily belong to competing student groups — the new trivia night event was a good start.

“We had a lot of groups that weren’t competing in the week; participate and come out just for fun,” Bauer said.

Multiple alumni events taking place on Oct. 16 and 17 will bring graduates back to UW. The 12th annual Golf Outing and Homecoming parade are expected to draw a particularly large group of alumni.

“We have a lot of people registered for the golf outing and are expecting thousands for the parade,” Kate Dixon of the Wisconsin Alumni Association said.

Homecoming events are beneficial for both alumni and current students, according to Bauer, allowing alumni to return to Madison and reconnect with classmates. Current students also get to appreciate the history and accomplishments of those who have previously attended UW.

“Once you graduate, you are a Badger forever,” Bauer said.

Dixon added Homecoming traditions present a chance to show appreciation for previous students of the university and for alumni and current students to communicate and find common ground to bond through.

“Things like ‘Yell Like Hell’ and the parade have been going on for decades,” Dixon said. “Students can make memories and alumni can remember the great time they had on campus.”