Homecoming & the Story of the Mums

Homecoming: A Heartfelt Community Tradition

Homecoming in Boerne, like much of Texas, centers on school pride, football, and a festive return for former students. It’s anchored by classic elements such as pep rallies, parades, and the high-energy Friday night football game.

2025 Homecoming Dates

Mark your calendars — here are the key homecoming games for our local schools:

Boerne Greyhounds – September 12
Champion Chargers – October 24
Geneva Eagles – November 7

If You’re Not from Texas…

If you’re like me and didn’t grow up here, the whole mum craze around homecoming might feel a little foreign. So here’s the backstory — and why it’s such a big deal in Boerne and across Texas.

The Origins of the Mum Tradition

While mums are now almost synonymous with Texas high schools, the tradition actually began in Missouri. The first homecoming football game — and likely the first corsages made from chrysanthemums — took place in 1911.

Texas picked up the idea in the 1930s, and the earliest known Texas “mum” was spotted at Baylor University in 1936.

At first, mums were simple and sweet: a single fresh chrysanthemum with a few ribbons, pinned to a blouse or dress. They were tokens of affection, friendship, and school spirit.

Over the decades, those modest flowers grew bigger, flashier, and more elaborate — evolving into the dazzling creations we see today, especially here in Texas.

These modern creations often include:

Silk chrysanthemums (replacing real flowers)
Ribbons in school colors
Trinkets (stuffed mascots, bells, rhinestones)
Braids, lights, feathers— Some mums now soar to the floor or drape across the body, turning into wearable art. Prices reflect the flair: ranging from a few dollars for small DIY versions to hundreds or even over $1,000 for full-scale senior mum designs.

Meet Boerne’s Mum-Making Stars

Misty Stout – That’s What She Said Mums, Boerne

What started as a mom helping her son with a special homecoming tradition has grown into one of Boerne’s most beloved small businesses. Misty Stout, alongside her husband Chris and a close circle of friends, now creates around 350 custom mums and garters each year, bringing joy (and plenty of sparkle) to students across town.

How It Began

Back in 2017, Misty’s oldest son was in 6th grade and eager to join in on the homecoming excitement. In middle school, the tradition is simple: you buy a girl a mum and sit near her at the football game. Knowing his mom was crafty, he asked her to make one. She gave it a try — and before long, word spread. That first year, Misty made about 25 mums, grateful that anyone trusted her with the task.

“It didn’t take long for me to realize that buying supplies in bulk and getting a tax ID for wholesale was the way to go,” Misty laughs. “What began as a little project turned into a real business.” Looking back, she admits she cringes a bit at her earliest creations, but each one was part of the journey.

Boerne’s Style of Mums

If you know Texas, you know mums: go big or go home. Some towns create elaborate, oversized designs with bold colors and wild themes. But in Boerne, there’s a different flavor. Students here stick closer to tradition, keeping it classic with school colors and mascots — whether Greyhounds, Chargers, or Eagles.

“I love the school pride here,” Misty shares. “Other towns experiment with pinks, turquoise, or off-the-wall ideas, but Boerne keeps it classy.”

Senior Year Favorites

Of all the mums she makes, senior mums hold a special place in Misty’s heart. “It’s the last homecoming of your high school years,” she says. “I encourage families to splurge a little, add personal touches, and create something worth keeping forever.”

Advice for First-Timers

For parents stepping into the world of mums for the first time, Misty offers reassurance:

Start small. Especially for middle schoolers, there are many years ahead for bigger and flashier designs.
Don’t wait on a boy. “As a mom of six boys, I say this with love: get the mum you want, and we’ll toss his name on it later if needed. It’s 2025 — waiting around is old news!”

Shop Here

Heather McCoy – Boerne Homecoming Mums / Craftwerks Ribbon

A decoration pro and mum historian, Heather shares that the mum tradition began in Missouri but “once Texas got ahold of it, the whole thing blew up.” She and Misty explain how mums, once tokens of courtship, are now inclusive—gifts from friends, parents, or group traditions. She offers limited reservations and DIY kits for those last-minute projects.

These local creators bring heart, humor, and personalized service—making mums not just accessories but cherished memories.