Those seeking treasure need not look any further than Monday, the beginning of Missouri Southern’s Homecoming week.

The theme for this year’s homecoming is, “Discover the Treasures of Southern.”

While digging for treasure is not in the agenda, students will have plenty of opportunities to participate and enjoy the festivities.

“Homecoming is really early this year,” said Julie Blackford, director of student activities said. “Students are still excited to be here and the weather is still good. Hopefully the student organizations will get together and participate.”

Activities begin Monday, when students show their Lion pride on “Green and Gold Day.” Previously, students were encouraged to wear green and gold but it was never a theme day before.

“I’m not sure what to expect,” Blackford said. “If people get crazy and show school spirit, that’s awesome.”

Meanwhile, royalty elections will begin Monday and end on Tuesday. The Penny-a-Vote contest, which started, Sept. 15 will continue through, Wednesday. Students can stop by the CAB office and contribute pennies in the jar of the instructor they think will look the best as a pirate. The instructor with the most pennies will wear a pirate outfit on Friday. The Student Alumni Association will be sponsoring this event.

In addition to royalty elections on Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to complete a pass to a receiver target in the quarterback challenge. The competition will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Oval.

On Wednesday students will have the opportunity to dress as a pirate and have their picture taken from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lion’s Den.

Later, the Lions volleyball team will face Washburn University at 7 p.m. in Young Gymnasium. Two hundred Southern students will receive a free T-shirt at the game.

Afterward, students can show off their skating skills at “Get Your Skate On” night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Keely’s Silver Wheels. Southern students have free admission.

“Last spring we had a really good turnout,” Blackford said. “So we decided to do it again.”

Thursday’s activities kick off with a punt/pass/kick contest, sponsored by campus recreation, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Oval.

At noon in the Lion’s Den, campus organizations and individuals will entertain audience in a new mock rock lip sync contest.

For Thursday night, Southern IMPACT will sponsor a Bachelor and Bachelorette auction at 7 p.m. in the Criminal Justice Center. Admission is $2 and proceeds go to United Way and Southern IMPACT.

On Sept. 24, Southern students can enjoy a picnic from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Oval. Spicy chicken, burgers, beans, chips, cookies, and drinks are on the menu. During the picnic students can complete a pirate obstacle course and have a caricature of them drawn.

During the picnic there will be a pep rally at noon. John Ware, head football coach, will speak. The cheerleaders will get the crowd pumped up and the 2004 Homecoming royalty will be announced. Students will also find out who won the mock rock lip sync, display and departmental decorating contests.

Finally, at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 25, the Homecoming parade will start and cruise down University Avenue. Local marching bands as well as floats made by student organizations in the parade.

Food will be served at the tailgate party at 12:30 p.m. under a tent in front of Hughes Stadium. CAB and Zimmer Radio Group will sponsor the tailgate.

The big game kicks off at 2 p.m. in Hughes Stadium where Southern will take on Missouri Western State College on the field.

Coronation will be at half time of the game.

“Homecoming features around athletic events, but is really about Southern students, and school spirit,” said Darren Fullerton, director of campus recreation.