By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO–The time is nearing to celebrate one of Montevallo’s oldest and most coveted school traditions dating back to 1919.

Simply referred to as College Night, students participate in a school spirit competition where they pick either a Gold Side or Purple Side.

College Night is part of UM’s homecoming activities and is centered around musical productions. Each side produces an original musical. Everything is created by current students — scripts, music, lyrics, costumes, choreography, sets and lighting according to information on UM’s website.

The Purple and Gold Sides compete to achieve more total points than the other across various events leading up to College Night.

Athletic events and other homecoming events contribute to the total point values for either the Purple or Gold Side

Current students and alumni attend College Night each year to continue their support of their honored Side and countless hours are put into the musical productions before the unveiling on College Night.

In 2014, the Purple Side ended the Gold Side’s three-year winning streak. The Gold Side will try to avenge the 2014 loss.

In 2000, College Night was named a “Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress. It has an exhibit there in the American Folklife Center according to the UM website.

Homecoming events will start Wednesday, Feb. 11 and will be capped off with College Night on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.

More information about College Night can be found at Montevallo.edu/campus–life/um-life/college-night/