The 112th Hobo Day is Oct. 12, 2024. There are many events leading up to it, and the Hobo Day Committee hopes to see you there.
Hobo Day is a long-standing tradition that embodies school spirit and community involvement.
This year’s tagline is “Called to Wander,” a play on the idea of wandering hobos and students. Wearing hobo-inspired outfits is encouraged for students wanting to embrace the theme with creativity and humor. Each event provides a different experience and many lasting memories to be made.
Vic Hansen, a senior agricultural science major from Austin, Minnesota, is the 2024 Grand Pooba. “My greatest regret is not getting involved sooner, […] I wish I would have participated more before joining the committee,” she said.
Some ways to get involved this year include attending and volunteering at events. The application for the 2025 committee will open at the end of the fall semester. Here’s a look at some events
Oct. 3, 5-8 p.m.: Hobo Gear Prep Night is a way for students to find new hobo fashion. If you are looking to add any piece of clothing to your hobo wardrobe, this event is for you. The Hobo Day Committee has partnered with local thrift stores to bring all things hobo to campus at the Volstorf Lounge in the Student Union.
Coordinator Luke Smith, a senior mechanical engineering student from Arcadia, Iowa, is excited for this event.
“Hobo Gear Prep Night allows students to find the perfect outfit for the upcoming Hobo Week,” he said.
Oct. 7, 5 p.m.: Bum-A-Meal, a campus favorite event, is back. If you are missing the taste of home-cooked food, this is the perfect opportunity for you and a group of friends. Homes in the Brookings area open their doors for students to enjoy a meal. Register for this event ahead of time to secure a spot at a table.
Kordeia Rerick, a junior political science major, from Fargo, North Dakota, and the Bum-A-Meal coordinator says, “It is an opportunity for students to receive a home cooked meal from volunteer host homes. It is a great way to connect with Brookings and to get into the Hobo Day spirit.”
Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.: BumOver challenges teams to build their best cardboard structure. Those looking for more of a challenge can participate in various mini-games and compete in arm wrestling competitions to receive more supplies.
Catherine Klein, a business economics and entrepreneurial studies sophomore from White, South Dakota, is the BumOver and BumFire coordinator. “BumOver is a really fun event because it is one that you really get to participate in and not just watch,” she said.
She encourages anyone who has or hasn’t participated in the past to try it out this year.
“You work with a group of your friends to build whatever you want out of cardboard that we will supply for you,” Klein says.
Oct. 9, 5-9 p.m.: Rally at the Rails takes place in downtown Brookings. Celebrate with the Hobo Day Committee and the community by listening to live music and participating in the many activities lined up for this event.
Rose Nett, a junior human biology student from Raymond, Minnesota, is the Rally at the Rails Coordinator. “It is a great way to bring together students and the whole SDSU community,” she says. “It showcases live music, free food, fun games, and a time for students and families to enjoy the evening together.”
Oct. 10, 8-10 p.m.: BumFire now will feature live music. Enjoy the fire, music, snacks, and even some stew from the Mulligan Stew Cookoff put on by UPC.
Klein, also coordinating BumFire, says, “It is a super exciting event because not only is there a bonfire, but there’s live music, Mulligan Stew Cookoff, and the burning of the SD emblem.
“This event brings together many students from all corners of campus.
“It’s the pep rally that you are not going to want to miss,” she says.
Oct. 12, 9:30 a.m.: Hobo Day begins with the parade in the morning followed by a 2:00 p.m. home football game against Youngstown State.
More information and details on how to register for events and volunteering can be found on the Facebook and Instagram pages for Hobo Day. All dates, times, and locations of events can also be found on the social media pages.
