Homecoming seems to officially begin with encouraging words painted on storefronts. It really fills downtown Hartford with plenty of school spirit.

And then, all of the fun begins.

Hartford Union High School students brought plenty of cozy vibes on the first day, dressed in pajamas for "Vacation of Your Dreams Day." 

There were many cool cats with leather jackets on the second day of Homecoming, along with Hawaiian shirts for "Surfers vs Bikers Day."

Wednesday, October 7 featured one of the most popular Homecoming events, as the freshmen played the juniors and the sophomores faced the seniors in powderpuff football games at Gib Mahr Field. All of the proceeds go toward the Hartford Food Pantry. The juniors and seniors earned a spot in the championship game, with the seniors crowned Powderpuff Champions this year. It was well deserved. 

The halls were full of color as everyone represented their class on the third day.

Seniors: Blue Juniors: Red Sophomores: Green Freshmen: Yellow Staff: Purple.

Hartford's Homecoming Parade is Friday, October 9 at 1:30 p.m. in downtown Hartford.

"The parade is a tradition for the kids," according to Hartford Union High School Activities and Athletic Director Scott Helms. "Our teams and clubs are represented. They work hard on the floats and get creative with it. We look forward to it."

The Homecoming football game between Hartford and Slinger Friday night, October 9 at Hartford Union High School is much more than a game. It’s about raising funds that go directly to cancer research and support.

Slinger High School head football coach Bill Jacklin told WTKM how it started. In October of 2011, with Slinger football coach  Kevin Wilkinson and his wife Julie. They initiated the first Coaches vs Cancer football game fundraising event in collaboration with Hartford Union High School. 

"One of my assistant coaches started it, Kevin Wilkinson, with the first year of the Slinger and Hartford football game. He had postate cancer and died a month after the season. He started this whole thing and I think he would be proud of what it has become. Hartford's coach, John Redders and I understand that cancer has affected both of our lives. It's more than a game, more than football. It's both communities coming together."  

A traveling trophy was created and has been rededicated a number of times to become the Wilkinson-Redders-Jacklin Memorial Trophy.  

Last year, the event raised $20,592.95—bringing their 15-year total to well over $200,000.

T-shirt sales also contribute to the event, along with various fundraising efforts that traditionally take place during the game.

This year’s Homecoming theme for Hartford Union High School is "Night in Paradise."