McLean County Times

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule and Normal Mayor Chris Koos will begin the university’s 2025 Homecoming with a tree-lighting ceremony on Monday, October 13, at Uptown Circle in Normal. The event is scheduled to take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

To accommodate the ceremony and related festivities, several streets will be affected by parking restrictions and closures. Starting at 2 p.m. and continuing until 4 p.m. on Monday, October 13, there will be no parking allowed on Uptown Circle and all its vehicular access points, Constitution Boulevard, and North Street from the Beaufort Street intersection to Uptown Circle. The road closures are intended to support the safety of attendees during the event. An online map detailing these impacts is available at https://arcg.is/yD5GG1.

The program will include games, giveaways, entertainment by the Big Red Marching Machine and Red Bird Cheer, followed by the ceremonial lighting of trees at 7 p.m. Participation in this event is free and open to all members of the public.

Further information about the event can be found at https://homecoming.illinoisstate.edu/events/kickoff/. For questions regarding the event, Adam Fox, Town of Normal Civic Arts Manager, can be contacted by email or at (309) 454-9720.

A statement from local officials notes: "All Town of Normal facilities are fully accessible. If you require assistance or accommodation to access programs, services or events provided by the Town of Normal, please email ADA Coordinator Mark Clinch or call 309-454-9580. The Town of Normal wants all residents to be able to participate equally in Town efforts and initiatives. We welcome your feedback."