Roll Out the Hoopla

For those in Seattle, NB that this weekend is University of Washington Homecoming, including the homecoming game tomorrow. Travel routes that do not bisect the U District are probably advisable.

For those who paid better attention during their How To Be American lessons than I did, can someone tell me exactly who is supposed to be coming home during Homecoming, and from where (...and why)? I know I was roped into helping with a homecoming float at some point during high school, and still I have no idea what the point in this particular ritual of autumn is supposed to be.