The grand marshal of this year's Homecoming parade knows all about taking a show on the road.

TTU alumnus Lark Mason will lead this year's parade after spending a day of riding the popularity of the Antiques Roadshow to help raise money for the Appalachian Center for Craft. Mason, an appraiser for the popular PBS television series, will preside over an appraisal fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Bryan Fine Arts Building Lobby to kick off Homecoming 2006 festivities on Friday, Nov. 10.

"We were overwhelmed with requests for appraisals and filled all the spots a month ahead of time," says Gina Padgett, our Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

Fortunately, the rest of Homecoming activities are open for participation, and organizers encourage everyone to mark their calendars for days full of fun as the university celebrates with the theme, "Tech Loves the '80s."

Friday, Nov. 10

The Alumni Awards ceremony and reception, free and open to the public, will be held at 4 p.m. in the Tech Pride Room of the Roaden University Center. This year's Distinguished Alumnus is Allen Atkins, retired vice president of technology for Boeing's Phantom Works. The Outstanding Service Award will be presented to Chuck Cagle, attorney at law and partner with Lewis, King, Krieg and Waldrop in Nashville. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, which recognizes graduates who are 40 or younger, will be awarded to Art Blanchford, vice president of the GM Global Business Unit for Autoliv Inc. in Auburn Hills, Mich.

The Athletics Hall of Fame Awards ceremony and dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the RUC Multipurpose Room. Call (931) 372-3940 for reservations.

Saturday, Nov. 11

For TTU alumni, a hospitality continental breakfast will be served in the Roaden University Center Multipurpose Room Lobby at 9 a.m.

Watch the Homecoming parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. The parade route runs along Dixie Ave. from Spring St. to 12th St.

After the parade and before the game enjoy a tailgate lunch, college displays and kid's activities 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Regions Bank Tailgate Park (between the stadium and Hooper Eblen Center next to the tennis courts). "Tent City" will feature departments and organizations, plus kid's activities. Tickets available onsite.

Lunch is $5 for adults and $3 for children (age 10 and under). Football tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and youth (age 18 and under). Children age 2 and under are free for both events. The menu includes pulled pork, barbeque chicken breasts, hot dogs, baked beans, broccoli salad, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, bread and assorted cookies and soft drinks.

The feature event, of course, is the Homecoming football game as the Golden Eagles take on Eastern Illinois with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. Cheer for the Golden Eagles as they take on the EIU Panthers in Tucker Stadium.