Along with the students of Wayne State College, the businesses of Wayne are rallying support and showing school spirit.
In honor of WSC Homecoming 2016, six local businesses have decked out their shop windows in the “Wild with Pride” theme.
From stuffed tigers to old-school photos, and fur vests to window paint, these businesses did their best to capture the true essence of homecoming.
The activity began last year as a way to involve local businesses in the celebration of Homecoming.
“We really just wanted to encourage businesses to get into the spirit of homecoming,” Sarah Gunion, student activities coordinator, said.
Although all of the businesses in Wayne were invited to join in on the festivities of window decorating, although only six businesses  signed up: Majestic Theater, State Nebraska Bank, Swans Apparel, US Cellular, Wayne Greenhouse and the Chamber of Commerce.
These businesses had to decorate their windows by Monday, and WSC students have the opportunity to vote on the best display in town.
What’s the prize?
A traveling trophy, and most important: bragging rights.
Even though this is only the second year for the Homecoming window display contest, Jen Claussen, owner of Swans Apparel, has always decorated her window during homecoming to show her WSC pride.
“When I place my clothing orders, I always make sure to think about black and gold pieces for my Homecoming display,” Claussen said. “This year we went a little wild with the fur vest, which actually fit perfectly with the theme.”
Claussen described her display as “feminine inspired with a hint of wild.”
“I just want to show everyone who comes to town during homecoming week how much pride we have,” Claussen said. “Go Cats!”
Jeana Robinette, manager of US Cellular, also enjoyed decorating her windows and expressing her WSC pride.
“I grew up in Northeast Nebraska, but I am new to Wayne and I just think community involvement is so important,” said Robinette. “Especially in a business setting.”
Robinette recruited a co-worker, Clayton Bratcher, to help with the project. They painted a fierce-looking wildcat football player and a “Wild with Pride” sign on their door.
“Lots of students come in here for phones, so it’s a good idea to participate and show support,” Robinette said. “Plus, I have always been an ‘artsy fartsy’ person—so I really enjoy this stuff.”
Like Claussen and Robinette, most vendors had personal reasons for decorating their windows. Lou Wiltse, owner of the Wayne Greenhouse, is not exempt from having a strong feeling of pride towards WSC.
“My grandfather emigrated here from Denmark. In 1921 he heard about Wayne State College and knew it would be a great place to start a business,” Wiltse said. “I am now the fourth generation owner of the Greenhouse and we always want to find ways to show our support towards the college—it is the whole reason we are here.”
Regardless of the competition at hand and differing motives for decorating, all of the businesses agree on one thing: WSC pride and community support for the college.
Check out all of the fabulous displays around town and vote for the exhibit most wild with pride. Ballots can be found in the Kanter Student Center and dropped off at the chamber office. All votes must be cast by noon on Friday.