Whether it is the football game against Hofstra University, the ninth annual 5K Homecoming Rhode Race, the bounce houses in Rhodyville, or the school’s theater production of Boy Gets Girl, the University of Rhode Island Homecoming has a slew of events and activities for the entire family.

”In addition to all of the fun-filled activities that we always have, this year’s Homecoming will include a new group, Circus Theatrics, that will engage the crowd in the Family Fun Zone with a juggler, a circus character and stilt performers,” said URI Homecoming Committee Chair Michelle Fontes-Barros.

The week of events kicks into high gear on Friday, Oct. 16 at the Rhody Rally, the annual pep rally for students in Keaney Gymnasium at 7:30 p.m. The rally will be followed that night by a bonfire near Ellery Pond on campus.

Students, fans and alumni with all interests can find something to their liking throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 17. The day starts out early, as runners and walkers are invited to compete in the 5K Homecoming Rhode Race. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with the race around campus starting at 9 a.m. The first 100 people to register receive a free T-shirt.

After the race, head over to Rhodyville, the Homecoming tent village in front of Mackal Field House, which opens at 10 a.m. Rhodyville features entertainment from various student groups, bounce houses, face-painting, Bjorn the Magician, the Army National Guard Rock Wall and, of course, Rhody the Ram. URI President David M. Dooley will be stopping by Rhodyville, which is free to all.

Kickoff for the football game against Hofstra is noon. This year, tailgating is back for home football games. Be sure to read the university policies regarding tailgating before arriving.

The URI men’s ice hockey team hosts Drexel University in the Boss Ice Arena at7 p.m. that evening. URI Theatre also has three shows of Boy Gets Girl, Rebecca Gilman’s suspenseful tale about the unraveling of a strong woman’s sense of security in the urban jungle. Show times that weekend are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

For information on all these events and more, visit the URI Homecoming 2009 Web site.