NC A&T State University homecoming draws thousands to Greensboro
(WGHP) — Aggie Fan Fest kicked off on Friday afternoon. Hosted by the City of Greensboro, it's one of the events expected to draw large crowds this weekend as North Carolina A&T State University holds its homecoming celebrations.
Tens of thousands of people are coming to the city for the Greatest Homecoming on Earth.
"It feels like a big family reunion. People you haven't seen in a long time. Friends you haven't seen in a long time. Professors, educators, people that brought you through this process and all the memories you made with them," said Allen James, an NC A&T State University alumni.
This weekend, it's hard not to catch Aggie Fever.
Tens of thousands of alumni, their families and friends will enjoy a memorable weekend. Many alumni said they look forward to it each year.
"You can't have homecoming without watching the band and the football team and going into the tailgate area," said Jason Fullman, an NC A&T State University alumni.
For those alumni who grew up in Greensboro, it's always been a family tradition.
"Before it was GHOE, it was just a big old gathering where we invited everybody on campus because it's a part of the community, and we just want to make sure that we have our presence known in the community," said Mack Whitsett, an NC A&T State University alumni.
Another alumnus living in Texas said he hasn't attended homecoming in seven years but being here is bringing back so many joyful memories.
"It's a very big deal to come back and see the new developments on campus as well. Kind of see my old stomping grounds from Barbee Hall where my freshman dorm was," said Erik Veal, an NC A&T State University alumni.
The homecoming events not only draw alumni into town but other visitors as well, which gets nearby business owners pretty excited.
"We have GHOE people that return every year ... alumni ... come here every year. We've been downtown for five years ... so I'm looking forward to seeing those people and just excited ... to be in the moment," Savor The Moment CEO Tanya Dickens said.
Savor The Moment sits on Davie Street. Dickens said is also an Aggie alumnus. In honor of GHOE each year, her business makes a homecoming-themed dessert.
"It is a surreal feeling because I understand the mission that we have is to go out and make a difference in the world and to have an impact and to be entrepreneurs and ... trailblazers ... To have a business as an Aggie, I just feel like is what I'm supposed to do," Dickens said.
The City of Greensboro said Aggie Fan Fest is known to draw 65,000 to it during GHOE. It will continue Friday until 8 p.m. and will also be held Saturday and Sunday.
Other GHOE events expected to draw large crowds include the step show on Friday and Saturday's football game and concert.
