Many schools hold homecoming dances. This major fall social event is also a fun time to crown the year's homecoming royalty. At the beginning, middle or end of the dance, the school principal or student body president can introduce the homecoming court. After introductions, the homecoming king and queen are crowned. If available, the outgoing king and queen may choose to return to perform the coronation. After the crowning, many schools have the new king and queen lead the students in the next dance.
If the big game is the major event of the weekend, schools often choose to have their king and queen crowned during the game. This is especially nice for high schools or colleges that have a large number of alumni return each year for the game. During halftime of a football game or basketball game, the royal court is presented, and that year's king and queen are crowned. If there is past homecoming royalty in attendance, the school may choose to recognize them as well. Asking the oldest former king and queen in attendance to crown the newest ties the alumni into the event.
Whether at a dance or pep rally, some schools choose to give their homecoming weekend a specific theme. The coronation ceremony can tie into that theme. If the theme for the year is medieval or castle-related, the court may wear medieval costumes or even ride in on horses or in a carriage. For a disco-themed homecoming the court may wear disco-glam ensembles to their coronation. Having the homecoming royalty in themed costumes makes the event unusual and memorable.
Schools that need extra financial assistance may use their homecoming coronation as a chance to obtain sponsorship from local businesses. Schools can sell advertising in the coronation program, ask a local clothing store to donate the homecoming court's attire and crowns in exchange for promotional consideration, or even have a local businessman perform the coronation. School districts and universities vary on their policies about soliciting outside funds, but homecoming can be an opportunity to use the attention of students and alumni to generate advertising and promotional revenue.