The messiest, stickiest and, for many, most anticipated tradition on campus makes its return to Brock University on Friday, Sept. 20.

Beginning at noon, the annual Homecoming Grape Stomp will challenge hundreds of students and alumni to put their best foot forward — to crush about two metric tonnes of Concord grapes.

With about 80 bushels at their disposal, participants will toss, squeeze and squish the fruit while slipping and sliding through Brock’s Jubilee Court.

In addition to being a part of Brock’s Homecoming weekend, this year’s event is also part of the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations, which kicked off in September.

“Grape Stomp is a must-try event on any Badger’s bucket list,” says Student Engagement Co-ordinator Carolyn Hough. “We love having graduates come back to slip and slide again while mingling with our current students and sharing their love for Brock’s traditions with one another.”

The event has been hailed by University Affairs magazine as one of the best university traditions in Canada.

This year’s grapes come courtesy of Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, which also has longstanding connections to the University and its Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

In addition to the grape excitement, the day will also include live music from Avenue Inn — filled with alumni band members — and a free barbecue sponsored by Aramark, while supplies last.

Brock graduates can register to be a part of Grape Stomp on the Alumni website while students can sign up on ExperienceBU. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. and costumes are encouraged.

The event is part of a packed lineup of Homecoming and 60th anniversary events, including Friday’s Steel Blade Classic hockey game and Saturday’s Skyline Celebration.