Everything You Need to Know: Homecoming & Bicentennial Celebration Week

One of the biggest weeks in Deer Park history is almost here!

Next week, October 5-10, Deer Park Schools will celebrate Homecoming alongside the culmination of our Bicentennial Celebration, bringing together students, families, alumni and community members for a week celebrating 200 years of Deer Park pride.

From Harvest Night and Senior Night celebrations to the Homecoming Parade, football game, alumni activities and Bicentennial Celebration, there is plenty happening throughout the week.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Thursday, October 8 | Amity Fall Harvest Night

6:00-7:30 p.m. | Amity Elementary

Amity families are invited to a free evening of activities throughout the building.

From 6-7 p.m., teachers will host literacy games and activities at each grade level. The Amity Book Fair will also be open for purchases, with proceeds benefiting the Amity Library.

At 7 p.m., the Third Grade class will hold a special performance in the gym.

The event is free for all Amity families.

Thursday, October 8 | Volleyball Senior Night

Senior recognition around 6:30 p.m. | Varsity match at 7 p.m.

Help us celebrate our Wildcat seniors as Deer Park Volleyball hosts Senior Night.

Senior recognition is expected to begin around 6:30 p.m., followed by the varsity match at approximately 7 p.m.

Come out and help us recognize our seniors and cheer on the Wildcats!

Thursday, October 8 | AHA Spaghetti Dinner & Soccer Red Out

Deer Park Boys and Girls Soccer will host the 11th annual American Heart Association Spaghetti Dinner and Red Out at Deer Park High School.

Dinner, provided by Krimmer’s Italianette, will be served from 4-6 p.m. in the Deer Park High School cafeteria. The meal includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, a breadstick and lemonade or water. Baked goods will also be available for purchase from our soccer athletes.

Carry-out is available for those who would like to take dinner to the stadium and cheer on the Wildcats.

Soccer action begins with the Varsity Girls at 5 p.m., followed by the Varsity Boys at 7 p.m.

American Heart Association staff will also be in attendance to offer “Stayin’ Alive” Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, free Know Your Numbers blood pressure screenings and other heart-healthy information.

All proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.

Be sure to wear red to support our Wildcats and the American Heart Association!

Friday, October 9 | Homecoming Parade

5:30 p.m. | St. John’s Church down Plainfield Road

Homecoming Friday begins with the annual Homecoming Parade at 5:30 p.m.

The parade will leave from St. John’s Church and travel down Plainfield Road toward Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School.

Students, families, alumni and community members are encouraged to line the parade route and help us celebrate Homecoming and 200 years of Deer Park Schools.

Friday, October 9 | Homecoming Football Game

7 p.m. | Deer Park vs. Taylor High School

Following the parade, make your way to the stadium as the Wildcats take on Taylor High School in the 2026 Homecoming game.

This year's Homecoming will include several special opportunities for Deer Park alumni as we celebrate the district's Bicentennial:

• Cheer Alumni: Join the team for the pregame tunnel and “Onward Deer Park.” Alumni should meet at the stadium following the parade.
• Chorus Alumni: Join us to sing the National Anthem and Alma Mater. Alumni should meet at the track by 6:45 p.m.
• Former Deer Park Homecoming Kings & Queens: Past Homecoming royalty is invited back for a special recognition during the evening. Alumni should meet at the track before halftime.

It will be a special night at Harry Yeaggy Family Stadium as generations of Wildcats come together to celebrate 200 years of Deer Park pride, 1826-2026!

Saturday, October 10 | Cheers to 200 Years: Deer Park Bicentennial Celebration

5-8 p.m. | Montgomery Inn

The celebration continues Saturday evening with Cheers to 200 Years: Deer Park Bicentennial Celebration, a special gathering for Deer Park alumni, staff, families, friends and community members.

The adults-only event is open to guests 21 and older and includes:

• Heavy appetizers
• Commemorative signature glass
• Two drink tickets
• Live music
• Raffle prizes

An evening celebrating two centuries of Deer Park Schools

Tickets are $50 per person.

Saturday, October 10 | Homecoming Dance

7-10 p.m. | Deer Park High School Gymnasium

Deer Park High School students will close out Homecoming Weekend with the 2026 Homecoming Dance.

The dance will be held from 7-10 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium. Attire is semi-formal.

Tickets are $30 and are PRESALE ONLY. Tickets will be sold:

• Wednesday, October 7: During breakfast and high school lunch
• Thursday, October 8: During high school lunch

Scarlet Oaks students must email henry.ka@dpccsd.org to order tickets and submit the required paperwork.

All students attending the dance must be checked in by 8 p.m. If a student purchases a ticket but does not arrive by 8 p.m., their parent or guardian will be notified.

Leave Your Mark on Wildcat Walk

As Deer Park celebrates 200 years, families, alumni, staff and community members have an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the Don Benhase Wildcat Walk! Purchase a personalized commemorative brick to honor your family, recognize a graduate, celebrate a special memory or simply show your Wildcat pride.

Bricks will become a permanent part of Wildcat Walk, creating a lasting connection between today’s Deer Park community and generations of Wildcats to come.

Purchase your Wildcat Walk Brick:

200 Years. One Deer Park.

Whether you're spending Thursday evening at Amity, celebrating our senior student-athletes, lining Plainfield Road for Friday's parade, returning to Howard Field as an alum, joining us at Montgomery Inn or celebrating at the Homecoming Dance, there are plenty of ways to be part of this historic week.

Wildcats past, present and future are invited to join us for a Homecoming and Bicentennial Celebration 200 years in the making!

-- Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success! --