Welcome to the Big Dance in Greendale

Let's get this straight right off the bat - when I say Big Dance, I'm not talkin' about the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. This despite the name supposedly being coined in reference to Milwaukee's own Al McGuire of Marquette basketball fame or the fact that the term generally means "an important sporting event, such as a championship game, preceded by several smaller games leading up to it."

Besides, it isn't basketball season. (We can get back to that in March).

No folks, it's football season, and that means 'Homecoming'. As in the event taking place in Greendale the week of September 26th, starting with Spirit Week at . There will be the usual themed days, along with a powder-puff football contest, a Friday pep rally and parade (which I hear is going to be bigger and better than ever) and a tailgate party sponsored by the Greendale Panther Athletic Booster Club on September 30. 

Then there's the 'Big Game' that night - for the Homecoming gridiron matchup, followed by a bonfire near the school's old tennis courts.

All of these, of course, are the events leading up to what I was gettin' at earlier.... the 'Big Dance.' For local teens, the Greendale High School gym will be the place to be on Saturday night, October 1st, for the Haunted Homecoming dance. (Just think how fun it would be to serve on this year's decorating committee)!?

Anyway, as a parent of a freshman, this whole Homecoming thing has been an interesting experience so far... especially when one remembers how fraught it can be for either a night of great memories or one of disappointment.

I have heard many of my fellow parent friends discussing whether their son has asked anyone to the dance yet or if their daughter has been asked.

Although I've heard some successful dates have been set, it sounds as if a lot of the girls are still waiting to be asked and the boys are too nervous to do the asking. However, if you look at it this way, the boys could just think of being scared as a way to get into the haunted spirit of it all, right?

The scary part for us parents though, is when your son or daughter DOES get a date for the dance... because it'll cost mom and dad an arm or a leg just to pay for the dress, the suit, the flowers, the tickets, the dinner, etc. 

Anyway tickets go on sale next week, GHS'ers, so any asking that is gonna be done better be done soon. Or there's always the option of going stag - no date required for this 'Big Dance.'

The only spooky thing would be to miss out on the fun altogether!