For many schools, Homecoming Week is a big deal. Planning starts months ahead of time. Themed events, to bolster school pride, take place the week before the big football game.

At UNA, it is no different.

Members of the student government association spent part of their summers debating homecoming theme ideas, said University Program Council Vice President Adam McCollum.

“It came down to Lion King and Mardi Gras,” he said. “For the most part, everyone wanted a Mardi Gras theme.”

The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Lion Gras — Party Like the King,” McCollum said.

“We figured there was a lot we could do with the colors and the festival theme,” he said.

Sophomore Brittany Garrison said she is from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where they celebrate Mardi Gras for an entire week.

“I hope we can do it well here,” she said.

Tonight, students will have the opportunity to party with DeeJay Battle in Towers Hall at the “MasqueraVe.” The event will begin at 9 p.m. and end at midnight. Sodexo is serving cajun food at all its locations throughout the day.

The bonfire, pep rally and a special concert at Cross Point Church of Christ featuring Logan Brill will take place on Friday, McCollum said.

Rolling Stone magazine recently selected her as one of the 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know.

The week rounds out with the parade, tailgating and the game against University of North Carolina-Pembroke Saturday.

Sophomore Morgan Cantrell, a member of Phi Mu, said the sorority has been working on their float and is looking forward to Saturday.

“We’re really excited about getting to participate in the parade and cheer our boys on,” she said.

Students have had the opportunity to participate in a number of activities already this week.

Makeover Monday allowed students to decorate designated locations around campus with beads and ribbons provided by SGA.

“We got permission from grounds to decorate the campus,” McCollum said.

Tuesday, President Kitts and his wife treated students to King Cake and non-alcoholic drinks on the lawn their home.

Jazz it Up was held at the amphitheater Wednesday and featured a performance by Jeremiah and John Moore.