The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is taking applications for the 2013 Troy University Homecoming Appreciation Day Parade on Oct. 5. Deadline for entries is Sept. 25.

The theme of this year’s parade is Troy Saves the Day: A Hero’s Homecoming.

“All businesses and organizations are encouraged to show their appreciation for Troy University by participating in the parade,” said Leigh Anne Windham, Chamber community development director. “The parade will feature professional and homemade floats, walking units and vehicles. And each entry must have signage that expresses appreciation to Troy University.”

There is a $10 fee for each entry.

“The entry fee is used to help cover travel expenses and food for the high school bands that participate in the parade,” Windham said. “We appreciate the participation of the high school bands and realize that it is an added expense for the programs. We want to help.”

Due to noon television coverage of the Homecoming game, the parade will begin at 9 a.m. in downtown Troy. The 2013 Troy University Homecoming game will pit the Trojans against the South Alabama Jaguars

Windham said that the Troy University Homecoming Appreciation Day Parade is a longstanding tradition and an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation to its hometown university.

“Troy University is such a vital part of our community and we are extremely proud to have them here in Troy,” she said. “We want everyone who is associated with the university to know how much Troy University is appreciated.”

Windham said the Troy University Homecoming Appreciation Day Parade is also an opportunity for Troy University alumni and fans to visit downtown Troy and see what all the downtown area has to offer before going on campus for a day of football, fellowship and fun.

For more information or to register a unit in the parade, call the Chamber at 566-2294. Applications are available on line at pikecoc@troycable.net.