The “UWEC Alumni Kazoo Band” will perform at the Minnesota State Fair, paying homage to the “Bridgeman Hall Marching Kazoo Band” — an ensemble that has been a constant at the university for nearly 50 years. (Submitted Photo)

This fall, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) celebrates its 100th Homecoming; current and former Blugolds alike are invited to join the party.

The UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association has plans to kick off the celebrations early, honoring a band that participates in the Homecoming parade annually with an unconventional instrument: kazoos.

The “UWEC Alumni Kazoo Band” will soon perform at the Minnesota State Fair, paying homage to the “Bridgeman Hall Marching Kazoo Band” — an ensemble that has been a constant at the university for nearly 50 years. This event will celebrate the countdown to this year's Homecoming week of Sept. 28 to Oct. 5.

Gary Berg, president of the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association board of directors, witnessed the collective, unique joy a dozen college students found by simply humming together as an undergraduate student in the 1970s. Then, he was a resident of Bridgeman Hall, and marched with the inaugural marching kazoo band.

It makes me smile to see something that was a good idea back then, still be a good idea today. –Gary Berg, UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association Board President

“It makes me smile to see something that was a good idea back then, still be a good idea today,” Berg said.

“Any time people can gather and have really fun, shared positive experiences, it's a win,” Berg said. “I had that experience in '76, when I marched in that (kazoo) band and got to know people that (have become) lifelong friends since then.”

Fast forward to today — thanks to Berg’s personal connection to the Minnesota State Fair and role in the State Fair Talent Contest — alumni, friends, and Eau Claire residents can all join in on the fun ahead of this year’s Homecoming theme: "100 Years of Homecoming.”

Students in the “Bridgeman Hall Marching Kazoo Band," pictured above, march down the streets of downtown Eau Claire during the 2021 UW-Eau Claire Homecoming parade. (Submitted Photo)

“It makes me smile to see something that was a good idea back then, still be a good idea today,” Berg said.

A "low-stakes" rehearsal will take place in late August in Fridley, Minn., to brush up your kazoo skills for the Minnesota State Fair parade on Aug. 27, where the alumni band will march, Berg said.

This will not be the sole event the Alumni Association will host to honor the 100th celebration; come October, alumni can look forward to homecoming mixers, hall of fame designations, Varsity Night Live, and more.

Students and families can look to an additional events calendar, where many traditions — including the "Medallion Hunt," "Campus Games," and more — have carried on over the years.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the university will bring the notable Homecoming Parade back to Water Street, and the current-day Bridgeman Hall Marching Kazoo Band will perform once again.

“(Homecoming is) a chance to see old friends, meet new people and create new friendships,” Berg said. “If you haven't been back to campus and Eau Claire in many years, it has changed in such beautiful ways; you will enjoy the experience.”

The UWEC Alumni Kazoo Band will kick off the "Homecoming Week" celebrations on Aug. 27 at the Minnesota State Fair parade. To learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's 100th Homecoming schedule for alumni, visit the events webpage online.