Flames crackled from a huge blaze while students chatted and played volleyball at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo grounds Wednesday evening during Hermiston High Schools homecoming week bonfire.

For some, the event was a chance to relate stories of the weeks academic advantages and peculiar sights.

Grant Woods and Kyle Wilson, freshmen at Hermiston High School, made their first trip to the annual bonfire.

The first half of homecoming week provided an easier homework load, Woods said.

Meanwhile, his friend expressed an appreciation for his free-spirited classmates.

Mondays theme was Blast from the Past, giving students a chance to dress in costumes from the Stone Age to New Age. Tuesday was Jungle Day, while Wednesday students and faculty were walking the halls in sequins, leather and fancy fedoras for a Pop Star or Rock Star theme.

Wilson wasnt anticipating Friday nights football rivalry game with Pendleton so much as he was anxious to see what his fellow students would be wearing next during the homecoming week.

You see people show their creativity, he said. People arent afraid to express themselves.

Both were anxious for Thursday as the dress-up theme for that day was Elderly versus Kids an opportunity for students to dress either old or young as they would like.

I know a couple people that are going to dress in adult diapers, Woods said.

CJ Kitrel, a junior involved in leadership classes at Hermiston High School, said it took two weeks to collect the wood for the one-night bonfire. He said he was a bit disappointed in the number of students at the bonfire.

Nonetheless, Kitrel said homecoming week was progressing well so far. He was eager to view the halftime show at the Friday night football game because of a performance by the Bulldogs marching band and more visual pleasures.

The fireworks are going to be cool, he said.