If you’ve ever wanted to know what stomping on a seemingly endless supply of Concord grapes with bare feet feels like, you’re in luck.

Brock University’s annual Homecoming Grape Stomp takes places this Friday, Sept. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Brock’s Jubilee Court.

Teams of students will compete for prizes by dressing up in costumes and stomping on a metric tonne of Concord grapes, with children from the Rosalind Blauer Centre for Child Care getting their feet dirty first by stomping on their own sections of grapes at noon.

Approximately 700 Brock students will have the opportunity to participate in the tradition, which has been ranked No. 2 out of the top Canadian university traditions by University Affairs Magazine.

While it is highly recommended to avoid consuming the grapes, the event will feature a free barbecue as well as live music.

The annual event kicks off Brock’s Homecoming Weekend, which includes a full slate of activities from Sept. 20 to 22. Also on the calendar:

Alumni Recognition Reception

Saturday, Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m.

Taking place in Brock’s Lowenberger Dining Hall, alumni who graduated either 25 or 50 years ago will be recognized. The event will also celebrate Greg Craig (BBA ’91) as the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by the Brock University Alumni Association. Brock’s Faculties will also present the Distinguished Faculty Graduate Awards.

Goodman School of Business tours and barbecue

Saturday, Sept. 21, Noon to 2 p.m.
Barbecue lunch for Goodman School of Business graduates and tours of the remodeled classrooms and new technology being used in the Goodman School.

CCOVI Wine and Cheese Speaker Series — Educate your Senses

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m. / 3 p.m. / 4 p.m.
Join Britt Dixon, CCOVI Communications Specialist and wine enthusiast, as she hosts celebrated Niagara winemakers for an educational session in the Roy T. Adams Bandshell at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. Each session features two wines paired with cheeses from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. The cost is two tokens per session. Brock alumni will receive a free wine glass with registration and half-price seminars. Many of the featured winemakers are also Brock alumni.

Brock Night at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival

Saturday, Sept. 21, 5 to 7 p.m.

Back again for 2019 is the Brock VIP experience at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. Brock alumni who have pre-purchased tickets will experience local wine and food while enjoying a panoramic view of Montebello Park from the elevated and covered Harvest Lounge.

Reunions

Saturday, Sept. 21

Among the reunions being held throughout the weekend are: Classes of 1969, 1994, 2009, 2014 and 2018.

Brock Sports

Saturday, Sept. 21

Brock’s Alumni Field will host a pair of homecoming rugby games. The men play against Laurier at 1 p.m. with the women to play against Queen’s at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 22

For the second year, Brock will host Hometown Baseball at George Taylor Field. The men’s baseball team will play the Ontario Blue Jays in a community-focused game at 1 p.m. Gates open at noon with free Badgers baseball hats for the first 100 kids. There will also be facepainting and a family zone.

A full list of Homecoming weekend events can be found on the Brock University website.