The University of Northern Colorado finished its homecoming week with the annual bonfire and firework pep rally Friday evening.
The event was held at Bishop-Lehr field and lasted from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
All students and faculty were welcomed to the event and it was free to the public.
The rally was accompanied by UNC cheerleaders and the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band, performing for the event until the bonfire started.
The UNC football team also made an appearance at the event and President Andy Feinstein was present as well.
Dontay Warren, a wide receiver for the UNC football team, expressed his excitement towards the bonfire.
“You don’t get to see bonfires all over the country so it’s pretty interesting,” Warren said. “I’m from the south so I’m not really used to seeing this, but as far as being here and just seeing the people it’s just really bringing people together.”
Warren also said the football team comes out to this event so they can get more support from students and encourage students to come to the football games.
Cadence Hilton, a freshman at UNC, and one of the student volunteers that help set up the bonfire, explained how they acquired the wood for the rally.
“We got them from a building, I don’t remember what the name was, but we got like a bunch of pallets that they saved for us and so we just transported it,” Hilton said.
Hilton estimated there was over 90-100 wood pallets
Hilton also pointed out there has always been a leftover trace of nails from previous bonfires found in the Bishop-Lehr field. She said the nails were from other wooden pallets.
The bonfire has been regarded as one of UNC’s biggest traditions and events held at the university, according to Katelyn Lowell, the social and traditional events coordinator at UNC.
“I like being a leader on my campus so I like coming to events and really putting my name out there and being a part of something bigger than just coming to classes,” Lowell said.
Lowell also said the reason why the university chooses to have the event held at the Bishop-Lehr field is because it’s much safer away from students who are located closer to campus.
She also said it was safer because it provides easy accessibility for the firemen to put the bonfire out.
Not long after, the fireworks started between 8:30 p.m. and ended at 9 p.m. ending the night with a bang.
