The traditional, perhaps stereotypical, college town homecoming might be imagined by many as an event not unlike those portrayed in the late 1970s movie Animal House.

The college students wreaked havoc on the town with out-of-control parties at every corner and destruction of property at every block. The days of homecoming debauchery were glamorized by the movie. That may have been close to what Mankato was like a decade ago, but the latest installment of homecoming at Minnesota State University seems to offer a celebration that blends community and campus.

There are homecoming events all this week, most of them geared toward students, but also some that benefit the community and invite community residents to participate. A “cram-a-van” food drive took place Tuesday. A documentary film presentation on Iraq was also presented for anyone who cared to show up.

There’s a parade at 4 p.m. Friday as well as an alumni-dinner, fund-raiser for scholarships that features longtime Mankato area businessman and Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. Various reunions also have been organized as well as a Maverick 5K run.

The week culminates in Saturday events that include an expanded Taste of Mankato/Football game event that starts at 11 a.m. The Taste of Mankato event has been moved to the practice fields next to Blakeslee Stadium where there will be more room, more food and more activities and an all-you-can-eat wristband for $5 and $10 depending on age. Kids under 5 eat free.

Some 20 restaurants are participating this year, making the connections between the community and the university even greater. There are about as many corporate sponsors for the event.

Other new events include a dodgeball tournament, an outdoor movie featuring “Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest” and a weekend party with live music inside the Centennial Student Union.

Organizers hope to keep more students on campus this weekend for the festivities. They’ve also set up a casino and offered free bowling and billiards in the student game room.

It’s good to see a homecoming celebration event that is attempting to create a community-campus mixer where everyone can get to know each other a little more in a safe, fun atmosphere.