For the City of Carbondale and its residents, homecoming means more than having to block off streets for the parade. It means increased business. And for the residents, it means fun.

City leaders say alumni traveling to Carbondale to attend the homecoming game, parade and other events are expected to bring more than their old SIU sweatshirts they are expected to bring money.

Jim Prowell, executive director for the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, said SIUC’s homecoming will benefit most of the community’s businesses, from hotels to restaurants.

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This is a definite big boost for the economy in the city, Prowell said. Those who come into town spend on average $113 per person. They spend it on the typical things like stores and restaurants.

These are a direct result of homecoming activities such as the annual homecoming game, Prowell said.

Patrick Palmier, a shift manager at Italian Village restaurant, said homecoming does help increase business for the weekend.

It all depends on things like the weather, he said. But after the game, we usually get a lot of people to come over. It is a help.

Palmier said Italian Village looks forward to and expects the increase in business.

In addition to the increased business, Prowell said, homecoming is one of those events happening throughout the year that bring a good image to the University. The repercussions of the events that the alumni like to attend are long-lasting and favorable.

When we improve the image (of Carbondale) through things like homecoming, we improve the community, Prowell said.

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Carbondale City Manager Jeff Doherty agreed, saying the city looks forward to homecoming.

People look forward to the parade and the other events, Doherty said. And it’s more than just the alumni, because the people in the community come out and see the event.

It goes a long way in showing the good relationship that can happen between the city and the University, he said.

Doherty said he was asked to ride in the homecoming parade. He said he enjoys homecoming because it is a family event.

My kids are young enough to enjoy the parade, he said.

For lifelong Carbondale resident Mary Hall, homecoming means a chance to get out and have fun, too.

I just love the parades. I love all the things about homecoming, Hall said. I may be 80, but I still participate as much as I can.

Hall said for as long as she can remember, homecoming has been a part of Carbondale.

Hall also said the event gives the city a good image.

Another long-time resident, Mary Pankey, said the good image helps both the city and SIUC.

It’s a boon to the city, Pankey said. The whole town benefits both businesses and the school. People bring their young children to the parade and game and then they begin to dream of going to Southern some day.

Prowell said the best thing about homecoming for the city is how enjoyable it can be.

We get to participate in the judging of the floats, Prowell said This kind of thing does not happen without the cooperation of the city.

Besides the benefits to the business, homecoming is enjoyable, he said. It’s just plain fun.