On Aug. 21, the @hhstigers2026 Instagram account announced Hernando High School’s fall dance, “Boots and Beaus,” scheduled for Oct. 18. The dance will replace the homecoming dance originally set for Sept. 20.
This year’s event will introduce two firsts for the school: a new venue and Hernando’s first-ever Sadie Hawkins-style dance, where girls traditionally invite the boys.
Christina Roberts explained the venue change, noting limited options in DeSoto County.
“We don’t have a bunch of places around DeSoto County large enough,” Roberts said.
The event will be held at the newly opened DeSoto County Agri-Education Center, which debuted in 2025. The center spans more than 200 acres and features indoor and outdoor arenas, rental spaces, equestrian trails and walking paths.
Roberts added that Principal Case has requested school events not be held in the new gym to help preserve the building. Hernando High School opened its new campus this year, marking the first homecoming week and dance at the new facility. In the past, dances were held in the old school’s gym, which students described as crowded and undersized.
“So we had to find a different venue, and that’s the only venue that would fit 600 to 700 people,” said student Emeri Sorrells.
The new venue is expected to enhance the experience and match the “Boots and Beaus” theme. Both Roberts and Sorrells said they could not recall Hernando hosting a Sadie Hawkins dance in recent history.
“It just means the girls are gonna ask out the guys,” Sorrells said. “I thought it would be a fun, little twist.”
Not everyone agrees. Some students are unsure how they feel about reversing traditional roles.
“Lowkey kind of weird — it’s normal for the guy to ask the girl,” said Chris Miller.
The Sadie Hawkins tradition originated in the Li’l Abner comic strip, in which unmarried women chased bachelors and married whichever one they caught. Today, it has become a dance custom where girls invite the boys.
“I feel like girls might be nervous to do that, but I think it’s different or better,” said student Olivia Cuffaman. “Guys are usually normalized to ask a girl to a dance.”
While some students find the change unusual, others are excited to participate. Many also welcomed the new date, as the original homecoming date conflicted with out-of-town commitments for the band, cheer and dance teams.
The shift to October allows more students to take part in the celebration, which organizers hope will create lasting memories.
