Tiger homecoming bonfire tradition returned

The bonfire will be held at Optimist Park.

A tradition that disappeared nearly two decades ago returned Wednesday, Sept. 17, when students at Mountain Home High School ignite their homecoming bonfire.

The fire was held at a specially prepared location at Optimist Park at dusk.

The homecoming bonfire had been a tradition at the high school for many years, in a lot roughly where the junior high now stands. When the junior high was built in the late 1990s, the tradition disappeared for want of a safe location to hold the event and liability concerns following the Texas bonfire disaster. It is believed the last bonfire was held in 1996.

A special fire pit was constructed at the park with a large number of pallets and other materials collected for the blaze. The fire department was also standing by.

The event was not supported by or an official function of the Mountain Home School District, due to liability concerns. It was put together by the newly formed Tiger Athletic Parents organization.

The tradition was revived this year by that organization and with the help and permission of the city to use Optimist Park.