Weber State University students still have time to find dates and pick up their golden tickets for the homecoming dance. The dance will be held Friday, Sept. 21 in the Shepherd Union Building Ballrooms on the third floor.

The theme for this year is “A Night of Pure Imagination,” and the dance is sponsored by the WSU Student Association. The night will be based around the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

“There will be a chocolate river that is being designed by the engineering department,” said Tara Peris, WSUSA coordinator.

A candy shop will be set up to serve a variety of sweets, along with an artist doing caricatures.

Golden tickets for the dance can be purchased at the information desk in the Shepherd Union Building or at the door. The cost is $6 for singles and $12 for couples. Dancing starts at 8 p.m. and will run until midnight.

“Homecoming is the biggest and liveliest tradition that Weber has,” said Thomas Judd, the WSUSA member in charge of the dance. “I challenge students to go to the dance and not have fun.”

Dates aren’t required for the dance, and students can go as singles or in groups.

“I went with a date last year. It was fun, and the room was decorated beautifully,” said Michelle Michelson, a WSU alumna.

After the dance, students have the chance to become a “true Wildcat.” At the stroke of midnight, couples kiss under the Bell Tower, becoming this year’s next batch of “true Wildcats.”

“I’ve never done it, but I might have to go with my wife this year,” said WSU student Mason Lyman. “Currently, she is a ‘true Aggie’.”

He said he plans on changing that this year.

The celebration is not just for students at this year’s homecoming dance. Prior to the student dance, there will be a dance that is open to families, alumni, faculty and staff.

“When I mentioned it to my sons, they were thrilled with the idea of escorting me to the dance,” said Stephanie Saffell-Wilkinson, WSU freshman.

The family dance will be held in the same room as the student dance and will take place from 5-8 p.m.

Cost is free for the family dance with a wristband. Wristbands must be picked up by Sept. 14 from the Nontraditional Student Center in the union building, Room 322.

“It is really nice to have things I can take my children to do on a strict budget, and not feel like I am losing any more family time,” Saffell-Wilkinson said.

For more information, students and interested parties can visit www.weber.edu/homecoming or call 801-626-6349.