The Homecoming Grape Stomp, a beloved — and messy — Brock University tradition, returns to campus on Friday, Sept. 18. Jubilee Court will turn purple next week as Brock University’s messiest tradition returns for an afternoon of fun.
A rite of passage on campus, the annual Homecoming Grape Stomp will see hundreds of students and graduates slip and slide through a metric tonne of locally grown grapes on Friday, Sept. 18.
Manager of Student Leadership and Engagement Carolyn Hough says the Grape Stomp has been her favourite Brock event since she first attended it nearly a decade ago. Now, she is part of the team who helps to organize it.
“It’s the best way to kick off the new academic year. Whether you are participating by stomping grapes or coming to witness the organized chaos, it’s a wonderful way to bring together the Brock community and pay homage to the uniqueness of Niagara,” says Hough.
Adding to the festive spirit in Jubilee Court will be live music from local band Avenue Inn — featuring Brock alumni — and a free barbecue, sponsored by Aramark (while supplies last).
Participants are asked to wear white and arrive for check-in at 11:30 a.m. The stomp gets underway at noon, with the fun wrapping up at 1 p.m.
There is no fee to participate but advanced registration is recommended. Students can sign up on ExperienceBU and graduates can RSVP through an online form.
Recognized as one of the top university campus traditions in Canada, Grape Stomp pays homage to Niagara’s wine country connections. It started in 2001 and has grown to become a fixture of Brock’s Homecoming weekend.
