A Benjamin Franklin impersonator, a costume-clad band and Penn performing-arts groups will be gathering on Locust Walk to celebrate Homecoming tomorrow morning.
Held from 10 a.m. to noon, Philly Fest on the Green -- formerly called Tailgate on the Green -- will be taking place between 34th and 36th streets.
The event, which has expanded significantly since last year, is one of the ways the University is trying to expand the appeal of Homecoming celebrations to undergraduates.
It will include crafts, food tents, face-painting, a band and performances.
Katherine Lowe, who organizes alumni events for the Alumni Relations office and helped plan the Fest, said that it will be "wonderfully fun and festive."
Lowe, who is Alumni Relations Director of Classes and Reunions, added that in the past, Tailgate on the Green has been a "way to highlight everything that's wonderful about Philly and about Penn."
A highlight of the event will be a Mummers parade -- a Philadelphia tradition -- on Locust Walk.
Since the turn of the 20th century, the clown costume-wearing, musical Mummers have marched down Broad Street on New Year's Day. They form a string band and play no brass instruments. For Philly Fest on the Green, Philadelphia's own Joseph A. Ferko String Band will be appearing in costume.
Bands from Penn will also be performing throughout the morning.
Counterparts, Penny Loafers, Bloomers and the Penn Jazz Ensemble will be among those showcasing their talents.
A Ben Franklin look-alike will also be attending the Locust Walk gathering. Ralph Archbold -- who is on high demand this year because Ben Franklin's 300th birthday is approaching -- will be coming dressed and acting as Franklin.
Attendees can enjoy mini-hoagies, pretzels and caramel apples from the food tents.
Lowe said that the Office of Alumni Relations, which organizes Homecoming Weekend, hopes to get the entire University involved.
"One of my goals is to make Homecoming more of a University event" rather than an alumni one, Lowe said.
She cited her 2003 discovery of a freshman who was completely unaware of the Homecoming festivities as a missed opportunity and something she does not want to repeat.
Lowe added that "Homecoming shouldn't be something [students] look forward to when they leave. ... They should look forward to it when they get here."
She said that although Alumni Relations organizes the event, it "takes the entire University to put together a party like this."
Philly Fest - Where: Locust Walkbetween 34th and 36th streets - When: 10 a.m. to noon, this Saturday - What: Ben Franklin look-alike, food tents, Mummers parade, performing-arts groups
