From babies to senior citizens and Troy natives to Troy University students from around the world, the Troy University Homecoming and Appreciation Parade has something for everybody.

“The traditions of the parade of way back in our history to our connect with Troy Normal School back when it was the teachers college,” said Kathy Sauer, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. “The parade started as an appreciation parade where Troy celebrated and appreciate the college. Now it is still the appreciation parade as well as being Troy’s homecoming parade. It really shows the strong community and university connection.”

Because of the parade being shared by the college and community, Sauer said there are all kinds of floats and other entries in the parade each year.

“We get a combination of both university students and groups and community businesses, churches and organizations,” Sauer said. “We have everything from homemade floats to professional floats to just walking units. We have five bands this year including the Sound of the South, the CHHS band, the Goshen band, the Pike County band and the Pike Lib pep band. That shows the unique partnership of the parade – it’s really the whole community.”

There’s still time to register to join the festivity of the parade, too, Sauer said. Formal registration ends today, but Sauer said entries will still be accepted next week too leading up to the parade on Saturday. It is $10 to enter.

The parade participants will be starting out in a new location this year.

“The last few years we have started on Elm Street and gone to Three Notch,” Sauer said. “This year we are reversing that. We’re going back to starting the parade lineup on Three Notch with the parade ending on Elm Street. The floats will need to line up at 8 a.m. The lineup will begin at the intersection of Three Notch and Montgomery/Madison streets and stretch all the way back to KFC. That portion of the road will be closed.”

For those who are not in the parade, Sauer said watching the parade is a sight to behold.

“We usually have around 75 to 80 entries,” Sauer said. “And some of those entries might have a float, a track, and walkers. We try to mix it up too so there is a variety of paraders throughout.”

Sauer said the parade is made possible thanks in large part to the City of Troy and Troy University, especially the Troy SGA.

“Our homecoming committee has worked really hard and really helped us with the parade,” Sauer said. “That includes Troy police, firefighters, the SGA – we have so much support.”

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. Troy kicks off against Louisiana Lafayette at 2:30 p.m. with all the other homecoming festivities.

The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Trojans Unite.”

“This year’s theme of ‘Trojans Unite’ is really about celebrating the fact that we are an international campus with students from all over the Southeast, the country and even the world,” said Morgan Long, Vice President of Campus Activities. “Homecoming is about all our alumni coming together with current students and supporters, and we wanted to emphasize that.”

Student-centered events include a talent show on the Bibb Graves Quad on Monday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. and the Haunted Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 5:30 p.m. in Trojan Arena.

Troy alumni also have several events scheduled, including the annual World War II alumni reunion, the Spirit Day contest for faculty and staff, and the Alumni Scholarship Ball after the game.

“We think this is going to be our best year yet for these events,” said Faith Ward, Director of Alumni Affairs. “We’ve got several great chapters reuniting this year, and Trojan Tailgaters’ ball raises money for scholarships and they are expecting the best Homecoming ever.”

For more information about alumni events, or to attend the Alumni Ball, contact Alumni Affairs at 334-670-3318.