Central will celebrate homecoming next week, and has a variety of activities planned to mark the occasion.

The parade will kick off events on Thursday, Oct. 1. In a change from previous years, it will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the school and go downtown, over the bridge and to the Jack Dittmer Athletic Complex for the pep rally.

The pep rally will start at 6 p.m. with the school song and an introduction by principal Aaron Reinhart. Fall sports teams will be recognized before introductions of the grand marshal, hall of fame recipient, last year’s homecoming king and queen and the 2026 homecoming court. Royalty crowning and the school song will follow.

The Central Athletic Boosters will provide a meal that evening, with free will donations appreciated. The meal is free to Central seventh through 12th grade athletes.

Powderpuff football games will begin at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Oct. 2, the hall of fame speech is expected to be given in the Central Auditorium from 9 to 9:45 a.m. At noon, the K/1 Parade will begin at the fitness center doors on Pine Street and head north on Main Street, before turning on Davis and ending at the elementary entrance.

The football game versus Cedar Ridge Christian will start at 7 p.m.

The hall of famer, grand marshal and king and queen will be announced again before kick off.