October 26, 2007

Servite switches homecoming bash
The fire prompts Anaheim school to move massive annual celebration.
By SARAH TULLY
The Orange County Register

Anaheim Fireworks, elephants and VIP suites aren't the usual features of most high school homecomings. But Servite and its sister schools' celebration boasts itself as the biggest in Orange County, or maybe even Southern California.

So, when the football game at California State University-Fullerton was canceled Thursday because of poor air quality due to the fires, planners didn't want to cancel the party that often draws 6,000 people. They just moved most of the operation at the last minute to Servite's campus.

"The homecoming is obviously a major endeavor," said Peter Bowen, Servite's president.

Just about all the other events will go on – stilt walkers, the homecoming show, a Ferris wheel and game booths with a Mardi Gras theme.

Instead of a hosted tailgate party tonight, attendants are asked to bring a dish for a massive potluck. And there will be no fireworks this year.

"We couldn't do fireworks because there were no fire marshals available," Bowen said.

Bowen said they decided to keep events outside because air quality is better in Anaheim than other parts of the county, but the school is still monitoring the quality to make sure it's safe for students.