Golden anniversary of Golden Girls celebrated in fall 2004
Homecoming activities Oct. 15-16 include alumni concert and jazz bands

Since 1954, 24 women have enjoyed the special sparkle that comes with the title of Golden Girl. Purdue's top twirling position is not only one of the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band's great traditions, but one that's the pride of the entire university family.

Celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the Golden Girl tradition takes on special dimensions on Homecoming 2004 Oct. 15-16. And, for the first time, alumni of Purdue's jazz bands, American Music Review and concert bands will also perform as part of Homecoming festivities.

The weekend's activities begin with a Friday, Oct. 15, reception and celebratory banquet honoring returning Golden Girls and the twirling tradition at Purdue. All Purdue band alums, especially those who were twirlers or majorettes, are invited to attend. The reception begins at 5 p.m. and the dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn City Centre in downtown Lafayette. Tickets must be purchased in advance; seating is limited. See the ticket link associated with this story.

Alumni band events also begin on Friday with the Alumni Jazz Band performing alongside the Purdue Jazz Band at its CD release party at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in Loeb Playhouse. Admission is free.

The Alumni Jazz Band performs again during Saturday's homecoming festivities on the Engineering Mall. It is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m.

Golden Girl and twirler activities on Saturday, Oct. 16, include a Box Lunch Get-together for twirlers and interested band alums from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Band Tent on the Purdue Memorial Mall. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., Golden Girls will autograph souvenir posters at the tent. The posters, a gift to the celebration from band friend Jim Wallace, are free to the public throughout the fall.

At 3 p.m. the "All-American" Marching Band will perform on stage on the Engineering Mall, and several former Golden Girls will twirl during the performance. The Golden Girls and twirlers will join President Jischke in leading the band to Ross-Ade Stadium for the 4:30 p.m. game.

During halftime of the game against Wisconsin, the band will perform a musical salute to the Golden Girls and all returning Golden Girls will be introduced on the Ross-Ade field.

On Sunday, Oct. 17, the Alumni Concert Band will perform with the Purdue Symphonic Band at 2:30 p.m. in the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette. Admission is free.

A detailed itinerary of the weekend events is linked to this story, as are downloadable information and registration forms for musicians and twirlers wishing to participate in the 2004 Homecoming events.