(KAIR)--The return of what was once a long running tradition-the lighting of the bonfire-is happening at Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy, with the community, regardless of school allegiance, invited to attend the celebration.

According to the Catholic high school, the bonfire was a tradition from the 1960's through the 1990's, with students helping to assemble the wood pile, traditionally lit as part of homecoming pep rally activities.

While the school will hold homecoming this weekend, the bonfire and pep rally celebration is being held early, planned for Wednesday evening.

Beginning at 5:30, on the Maur Hill-Mount Academy campus, behind St. Leo's Dormitory, food trucks will be in place, along with inflatables for the children. The pep rally, complete with a DJ and bowling, will begin at 6:30, with the bonfire to be lit as the grand finale.

93.7 FM News Director Brian Hagen (author of this story) recalls that other schools in Atchison County through the 90's, including Atchison High School and ACCHS, also hosted bonfire ceremonies as part of homecoming traditions.