Dust off those platform shoes and Members Only jackets. The 1970s and 1980s are back – at least for a day. Flashback Homecoming is this year’s theme for the events and activities leading up to the Oct. 27 football game. That means plenty of great retro music and, hopefully, plenty of great warm memories to share once you return to campus. The theme reaches its peak that Saturday, when WNIC – known for its flashback weekends at 100.3 FM – comes to campus and sets up at the Flashback Homecoming tailgate to help guests get their grooves on at Rynearson Stadium. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.; tailgating starts at noon (see Homecoming calendar).

In addition to adopting a retro theme, this year’s Homecoming organizers are adding another twist – the integration of Explore Eastern and Family Day, two spirit-filled EMU events.

Explore Eastern is the all-encompassing introduction to all things EMU, and is geared toward prospective students and their families. For the first time, EMU is pairing an Explore Eastern event (run through the Office of Admissions) with Homecoming game day in order to give students and their families an even greater event-filled introduction to campus. The other twist is the blending in of Family Day, the traditional fall event sponsored by EMU that brings families to campus for fun, performances and hands-on activities.

Combined, the addition of families from the surrounding communities and prospective students and their families is expected to increase energy and excitement on campus.

Homecoming this year is also about giving back. For the first time, organizers want a community service component woven into every event. This year’s project is raising donations for Food Gatherers, which works to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in Washtenaw County. “We want to incorporate the food drive into everything we do,” said Vicki Reaume, executive director of the Office for Alumni Relations. “It’s not just about tailgating and the football game. It’s about coming back – and giving back – to the community.”

So, whether you were into disco or big hair bands, part of the “Me Decade” or a Yuppie, or preferred “Happy Days” over “The Cosby Show,” it’s time to come back and relive those memories.

And don’t forget your dancing shoes.