An annual Homecoming parade during the 1970s and 1980s helped unite the University of Guelph campus. Winding its way to downtown Guelph, the parade attracted a lot of attention from the public for the University's academic programs and athletic teams.
Publicity was also the reason behind Guelph's inaugural Homecoming football game in 1923. It was organized by OAC president George Christie as a competition between graduate players and the current varsity team. He believed that a good college football team and an annual event to honour alumni would bring great attention to the college and build good relations.
Some of the early Homecoming events at Guelph were held in conjunction with a Halloween dance and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Now one of the University's biggest celebrations, Homecoming still features a graduate/varsity football game called the Glory Bowl, played just prior to the annual intercollegiate event.
