By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

David Macejko, executive director of the UC Alumni Association, shrugs off today's forecast of rain. "The weatherman went to Xavier," he said.

Instead, he has a forecast of his own.

"My understanding is that chances for rain are later on in the afternoon and I interpret that to be later on - after six o'clock."

That, of course, means after UC's Homecoming parade and other festivities would be a pleasant memory and the Bearcats will have presided over the Army Black Knights.

In town for the celebration is Danny McCoin, UC quarterback and former Detroit Lion. He was inducted into UC Hall of Fame Thursday night.

Today's fun kicks off at 10 a.m. with free coffee, hot chocolate and pastries under the Hospitality Tent on the lawn of the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences. Dean Lawrence Johnsonwill greet students, alumni and friends of UC. The first 1,000 visitors will receive a free mug.

At 11 a.m., Nancy L. Zimpher, UC's new president and grand marshal of the parade, will greet people on the lawn.

At noon there will be a premium wine tasting (for adults only) near McMicken Hall. The newly released reds and whites from three California wineries bear a UC Alumni Association label and may be purchased online or by phone.

Dean Karen L. Gould will be on hand for the event, which includes light hors d'oeuvres and jazz music.

More than 200 are expected to participate in the UC Alumni Association's Great Bearcat Run and Cat Walk at 11:45.

A team featuring alum and track star Jeffrey Johnson will compete for the first prize of $2,500 to go to a scholarship fund. Johnson is an engineering professor who missed the 1996 Olympic team by half a second.

The parade - which begins at noon - will feature All-American track and field star David Payne Jr. Four high schools - Jefferson, Georgetown, Withrow International and North College Hill - will compete for cash prizes for their band programs.

The event continues with a carnival on the McMicken lawn at 1 p.m. "The kids' carnival is a staple at the event," said Macejko. "It's the part of Homecoming that probably is best attended for the families. It's generally packed and fun."

The game begins at 3 p.m. at Nippert Stadium.

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E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com