Written by Emma Weber // Photo provided by Edgar Cardiel
As the Centennial Homecoming weekend brings in swarms of alumni and parents, events on campus have already begun. The first event was a parade to honor the female Homecoming nominees for the year. Chapel on Monday featured the nominees as well as short biographies about their accomplishments. The main event, however, was the evening parade.
This year the Homecoming parade took place on the Monday of Homecoming week instead of Saturday.
“That decision was made after last year’s parade got rained out and groups were unable to display the floats they had created,” director of alumni and parent relations Heather Kemper said. “Additionally, the Saturday Homecoming schedule is extra busy this year because of the Centennial celebration, so finding a time when students could participate with the least conflicts was challenging.”
The Homecoming parade is a tradition that inspires creativity in different clubs on campus. Homecoming nominees rode in cars, and some had their club members additionally follow on foot, bike or float.
Women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho (DGR) nominee Regan McClure participated in the parade. McClure said she was amazed at the support.
“I rode in the back of my dad’s truck, and DGR walked and rode bikes behind me,” McClure said. “It’s neat to be a part of something like this. I loved seeing people I knew in the street.”
Kemper also shared the excitement for the Centennial parade due to the interaction from members of the community that come to watch.
“The parade is a fun tradition to recognize different groups, organizations and teams on campus,” Kemper said. “It’s thrilling to hear the band and see them round the corner and see people waving from along the streets as everyone passes by.”
Women’s social club Ko Jo Kai (KJK) member Annie Green participated in the joint float that Ko Jo Kai and men’s social club Titans created. Green experienced the intergenerational relationships that come with bringing different ages together for a shared event.
“I first wanted to participate in the Homecoming parade because of my love for my club,” Green said. “But it ended up being so much more special than I thought. There were several moments when we drove past mothers, teachers and women of the community who were watching the parade on the side of the road, and when our float drove past, they would cheer for us and do our most loved club chants. They were KJK alumni, and it was just a sign to me that this love for Ko Jo Kai and the relationships it brings will last a lifetime.”
Centennial celebrations will continue all week. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to celebrate the 100th year of Harding by participating.
