As it approached, the school-wide crisis was the main word trickling down hallways: what is homecoming going to look like this year? The world of high school has been flipped upside down with COVID-19 — no talent shows, no lunchtime games, and no pep fests. Each of these revoked traditions has been a staple in Cannon Falls Homecoming for years. Unfortunately, their absence was not something that could be debated, it was essential for safety. Despite the lack of activities, the Cannon Falls Bombers were able to find some light in some of the homecoming staples that are still an option. Homecoming was not abandoned. Student council, keeping their spirits up, decided to host dress-up days leading up to the homecoming football game.

Having two cohorts and only one in school at a time created a predicament for the student council. To fix this dilemma, dress-up days occurred the week before and the week of homecoming. Rather than a single week of peppy fun, students got two. Both weeks had the same dress-up days so that each cohort had the opportunity to show off their funky ‘fits for each one. Homecoming 2020 featured dress-up days that were classics for Cannon Falls and some newbies. 

Bomber students kicked off their week with “‘Merica Monday.” Plastered with patriotic attire, students enjoyed a favorite dress-up day. Monday’s was one of the more popular dress-up days; it almost grabs the most enthusiasm (second only to spirit day, of course). ‘Merica day is a contender on the list of dress-up day options every year, and it is always a winner. Erika Szramek, a P.E. teacher at CFHS, says Fourth of July is her second favorite holiday, so ‘Merica day is “an excuse” to wear all the red, white, and blue gear in her closet. 

Tuesday was celebrated with Groutfit v.s. Denim. This dress-up day is fairly new to Cannon Falls’s homecoming. Nonetheless, it has become quite a popular one. Students who chose the groutfit part of the deal tended to dress in comfy clothes — grey sweatpants and a grey sweatshirt or t-shirt. KK Bowen, who’s favorite dress up day has been Groutfit v.s. Denim since it was introduced, says “I always wear a Groufit. It’s so easy and comfortable, and you’re you’re participating.” On the other hand, those who opted for denim clothing wore jeans and a jean jacket. Groutfits are usually more common but denim pulls a number of supporters as well. Exclusive to 2020, “Best Quarantine Outfit” honored the global pandemic as Wednesday’s dress-up day. Most students took this as an opportunity to come to school in their pajamas. In the past, pajama day has been common, but the new name gave students a light-hearted laugh about the ongoing troubles of COVID-19.

The in-person school week came to an end with Bomber Spirit Day, which does not come as a surprise. Bomber attire is a must for any and all students leading up to the homecoming football game, Senior Amelia Qualey agrees. She supports the Bomber Football team by wearing her cheer uniform to school, along with the other cheerleaders, “Wearing my uniform to school always makes me feel extra peppy, even though I do get a little chilly sometimes.” Cannon Falls is quite proud of their football team, who has made the community proud by bringing home victory after victory this season. Bomber supporters never fail to demonstrate their loyalty to the team by presenting their best red and black accessories with their Bomber fan wear. On Fridays, the school is closed for deep-cleaning, but it is also game day. Fans wore even more Bomber gear to support the football team at John Burch Park that night. 

Heading into the homecoming weeks, many people knew that this year’s event would be like no other. However, the homecoming energy and enthusiasm was kept alive by students and faculty who chose to stay positive. Dress-up days were a simple yet effective way to celebrate the event that never fails to rally up the Cannon Falls community.