As homecoming fever is running rampant this week, many students crammed their way into the Maucker Union’s ballroom Tuesday evening to witness the potential homecoming king and queen answer questions and display their talents before casting a vote for their favorite. 

The event was organized by UNI’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) for the 3rd year. 

“This is our 3rd year so it is a relatively new tradition,” said Melanie Bressler, junior human youth and leisure services major and head of the Homecoming committee.

Last year, UNI received national attention after Steven Sanchez received the first crowning as a transgender Homecoming queen. 

The event this year was kicked off by the introduction of the five queens’ and their responses to silly questions followed by the five kings’ introductions and their silly questions. 

The questions ranged from – ‘if you could be any animal what would you be and why’ to ‘name one thing you couldn’t live without.’

In response to the latter question, Homecoming King Candidate Garrett Harris received a burst of laughter with his response, “My bed, because a lot of things happen in my bed.”

Once the silly questions concluded, a round of serious questions began such as – ‘what is your favorite part about homecoming week other than the events’ and ‘why did you choose to come to UNI?’ 

As the questioning wrapped up, each contestant was called on stage to perform a talent for the audience. The range of acts included a duet from High School Musical, belly dancing, a ukulele, playing guitar and singing.     

“I thought it was amazing,” said Drake Tesdall, sophomore marketing major, “I really think Jacob Ferguson and Jana Johnson stole the show.”

As the final act concluded, all of the contestants were called back on stage where students were asked to pull out their phone to cast their vote via text. The winners will be announced on Friday at the pep assembly.  

“I thought it was pretty great just to see all the talent that UNI students have to offer to campus,” said Angela Hayes, senior elementary education major.