Students gear up for Homecoming Parade

Jessica Voorhees

Students and Bowling Green community members will march through the campus streets Friday to represent various organizations and athletic teams in the Homecoming Parade. 

The Homecoming Parade will begin Friday at 5 p.m. at Parking Structure 1 and travel from Cherry Hall through downtown Bowling Green to Fountain Square Park.

Ginny Hensley, director of Alumni Programming, said the parade, a tradition since 1937, has grown each year since its route was expanded to downtown.

“For many years it was just on campus from the top of the Hill to the bottom, but about 10 years ago we took it downtown because Dr. Ransdell wanted to see it become more of a community function,” she said. “The students spent so many hours perfecting these floats and we wanted the community to be able to see it.”

Hensley said all 24 Homecoming Queen candidates will march, as well as many sororities, fraternities, service organizations and international student clubs.

“Any organization on campus is free to join,” she said. “We have everything from Habitat for Humanity, libraries, museums and the communications department walk.”

Hensley said the school also encourages the community to participate.

Joe Morel, community chair for the Homecoming Parade, said many downtown businesses will stay open late for the event and offer discounts to students in school colors.

Hensley said the stores, such as Pink Daisy and BlueTique, will offer discounts on apparel and she encouraged students to come early to shop.

Morel said community members also participate by decorating their stores or parading in floats. 

Hensley said the Jordan English Band, WKU alumni, will entertain at Fountain Square Park at 5 p.m. as the parade moves downtown. After the parade, students will gather in the park for Big Red’s Roar pep rally.

Hensley encouraged students to partake in the spirited spectacle.

“Come out and get some candy and watch the Homecoming spirit in action, because it will be alive and well,” she said.