They jumped, they slid and they threw, but more than anything, they laughed.

More than 550 students took part in Brock University’s Grape Stomp Friday, Sept. 20 in Jubilee Court. The annual event kicked off the University’s homecoming festivities, and continued what University Affairs Magazine has called one of the best university traditions in Canada.

After some welcoming remarks and the first stomp by a group of kids from the Rosalind Blauer Centre for Child Care, the huge group of Brock students did their best to pulverize a metric tonne of Concord grapes. Surrounding the tarp-covered courtyard were hundreds more students, staff, faculty and community members who watched it all unfold.

“Between people taking part and those watching from the sidelines, I think this was the largest Grape Stomp we’ve ever had,” said Megan Brown, Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Student Life and Community Experience. “The weather was perfect and the students were excited to take part in such a fun University tradition. This event really brings people together to kick off Homecoming Weekend.”