The 2012 Homecoming festivities are to kick off this Friday. There are many Homecoming events that can provide options for UPJ students.

Live music is to kick off Homecoming weekend 7 p.m. Friday at the campus mall. A fireworks display is to follow, beginning 8:30 p.m.

The parade is to begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Richland Cinemas entrance and ends at the gazebo.

Following the parade, there are to be inflatable rides and an animal exhibition, the “Pitt-Johnstown Zoo,” is to take place around 2 p.m. at the campus mall.

A special concert was added to the events’ list this year.

Elenowen, a band that performed on the TV show “The Voice,” is to perform in front of Owen Library 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Students can attend the show for free.

An essential part of every Homecoming is, of course, crowning of a queen at the parade’s conclusion. Senior women have been nominated for queen by student organization members.

One Homecoming queen nominee is Ashlyn Ahearn, an education major and Alpha Sigma Alpha member.

“It is an honor to run for Homecoming queen because my sisters in Alpha Sigma Alpha and the brothers of Delta Chi have been so supportive,” Ahearn said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start to senior year.”

Ahearn said she is excited about the upcoming experience.

“The best part will be spending time with my sisters, alumni and fellow seniors,” she said. “I am excited to show my UPJ spirit.”

Pitt-Johnstown Dance Ensemble nominated biology major Jessica Tardio as their their queen nominee.

Tardio said she was humbled and honored.

“I was hoping to get a nomination, but not expecting one,” she said. “My friends have been extremely supportive throughout this whole process.”

Tardio said she is excited about participating in the parade, her favorite part of the Homecoming festivities.

“I’ve been in the parade every year for dance and have been on the float, so to be able to still participate this year, but in a different way, will be pretty cool,” she said.

Tardio said she considers it a huge honor to represent the Dance Ensemble.

“The group of girls running for queen this year are absolutely great,” she said. “I hope I do Dance Ensemble proud.”

A total of 12 nominees are running for queen.

They are Ahearn, Lauren Hoover and Leslie Galando; Jessica Repovz, Dedra Totin and Emily Cernic; Megan Girimonti, Morgan Maloney and Tardio; Melody Barkhimer, Katie Sullivan and Sierra Lasko.