WILBURTON – Eastern Oklahoma State College will host a week full of activities and events for the college’s 86th annual Homecoming celebration Nov. 6-11 in Wilburton. The theme of this year’s event is “Legends of the E.” In addition to the numerous student activities planned across campus, Eastern will proudly welcome alumni and community members to a variety of events.

The annual Community Chili Cook-Off will take place Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tourtellotte Student Center Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public. Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to enter their tastiest chili recipe. The competition will honor the best recipe in three categories, as well as a “Taster’s Choice” award, voted on by those in attendance. Visit eosc. edu/homecoming for complete competition rules and to download an entry form. All entry forms are due by Nov. 3.

The Eastern Alumni Association will induct two deserving graduates into its Hall of Fame during a reception on Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Tourtellotte Student Center Ballroom. The 2023 inductees include Rhonda Kite Fields and JT Gasso. Established in 1988, the Alumni Association Hall of Fame recognizes former students who have distinguished themselves in their profession and community. Tickets are $50 each and are available at eosc.edu/ alumni.

The annual Mountaineer 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will take place Saturday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. in downtown Wilburton. Registration is $40. All race proceeds benefit the Eastern Alumni Scholarship Fund. This year’s run is registered with the Choctaw Nation’s Promoting Active Communities Everywhere program. Participants will meet at the intersection of Main St. and Central Ave. This location will serve as the start and finish point of the race. Medallions will be awarded to the top three finishers in multiple age categories and the first overall male and female participant will receive a plaque. Visit eosc.edu/ homecoming for more details and to download a registration form.

Following the 5K, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Eastern will co-host an “Honoring Our Legends” parade, celebrating Veterans Day and Eastern Homecoming in downtown Wilburton at 10:30 a.m.

The Alumni Annual Meeting will be held at noon in the President’s Dining Room. All alumni of Eastern are invited to attend.

The Mountaineer Tailgate will take place at noon on the west lawn of the Tourtellotte Student Center. The community is invited to enjoy free chili dogs, frito chili pies and tailgate-style games.

Beginning at 2 p.m., the Lady Mountaineers will face off against On-Point Academy and the Mountaineers will take on Langston JV at 4 p.m. The Homecoming Coronation will take place between the games.

Visit eosc.edu/homecoming for entry forms and additional information concerning all of Eastern’s 2023 Homecoming festivities.