The annual "Paint the Town Red" contest began today.
The homecoming event asks businesses and schools to show their UL Lafayette spirit and pride with displays of red and white. Judges visited businesses today and begin judging schools tomorrow at 8 a.m.
Displays are judged in a variety of categories.
This was the first year that Hearts of Hopeparticipated. Hearts of Hope is a local charity that helps survivors of any type of trauma related to sexual violence. A lot of the staff members are UL alum, said Val Senegal, director of education.
"This is huge for us," she said. "We had a blast doing our Ragin Cajun Halloween. It was fun, very much a good time. There was good energy and camaraderie, because everybody put their part into this."
It may be the first time Hearts of Hope participated, but it won't be the last, she said.
"We were the newcomers this year, but this is the start to many homecoming weeks in the future," she said. "The beauty of it is, our kid clients will be able to enjoy the decorations as well."
