Homecoming

EDITORIAL

Rockdale’s annual homecoming is set for Sunday at the Patterson Center and here’s hoping there’s a great turnout. Turnouts have been a concern in recent years. Homecoming was once a major event on the yearly calendar. For proof of that, just check out the history column on this page. Forty years ago the annual homecoming drew well over 300 persons to Fair Park and was held under the pavilion. That would be essentially outside in a shaded but non air-conditioned pavilion. The last few events, held in the spacious, air-conditioned Patterson Civic Center, have drawn turnouts about one-third that size. There are many reasons in why homecoming has seen lower turnouts in recent years but it’s obvious the changing times have played a huge toll. Up until a couple of decades ago the only way you could really interact with non-Rockdalians those you grew up with, went to school with, or shared a community with, was either days-delayed mail correspondence or expensive long-distance phone calls. So, for that, homecoming was about your only choice. Today, obviously, its different. We have instantaneous “life-sharing” with just about anyone in our pockets and purses. We may be more involved in the lives of someone 2,000 miles away than our next-door neighbor. Is this wonderful? Yes. Is there something special about a shake and hug with the actual individual than a swipe on a screen? Also, yes. There’s another aspect of the homecoming situation that needs addressing. It’s one the Rock-dale Homecoming Association has been working on for a number of years, frankly without a great deal of success. It’s getting local people to understand you don’t have to have graduated from Rockdale High School to attend. Sure, the association welcomes all RHS grads and honors a 50-year class. But everyone is welcome. Homecoming was once the place to be on the second Sunday in June. Local residents just don’t show up in the numbers we once did. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if 2018 was the year which reversed that trend? Activities get underway at 10 a.m. with coffee, donuts and lots of visiting. A catered lunch is set for 12-noon.