The Missouri Western State University Alumni Association is providing free opportunities for family fun before and after the annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 15.

At 8:15 a.m., parents and grandparents are invited to bring their children to the Superheroes and Princesses Breakfast at the American Red Cross, 410 N. 12th Street. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero or princess. Donuts and milk will be served, and each child will have the opportunity to make their own Olympic Torch, fitting the Homecoming theme of “Griffons Bring Home the Gold.”

The Homecoming Parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Union and Frederick Streets and proceed downtown.

Following the parade, from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Arts, Beats and Treats will begin in the Remington Hall Atrium on the Missouri Western campus. The event features fun activities for children, including painting, make-and-take crafts, face painting, make your own snack mix, fun with magnets and more. Free t-shirts will be given away while they last.

A free tailgate lunch begins at 11 a.m. in Lot H.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.