Homecoming returned to the Plains, and to kick off a weekend full of festivities, the annual Homecoming Parade took place Friday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in Downtown Auburn.
Despite a rainy day, the streets of downtown were flooded with students, staff and the community, all waiting to kick off the weekend and get the celebrations started. The parade consisted of many different floats and performances by various student organizations, community members and local businesses.
Bruce Pearl, head coach for the Auburn men’s basketball team, led the parade. Following Pearl was a procession by the Auburn Cheerleaders and an Auburn University Marching Band performance.
Various students and organizations walked the parade, including the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, the International Student Organization, the Auburn University Singers and many more. The 2024 Miss Homecoming candidates also made an appearance, each being escorted in their own car and waving at onlookers as they passed by.
Many Greek Life organizations rode their floats in the parade, some passing out candy to children in the crowd.
“My favorite part about Homecoming is seeing all the different floats. I've been going to [the parade] every year since I was a freshman, and I have a lot of friends in the band. Watching them has always been one of my favorite parts but also just all the sororities and seeing how creative everyone is,” said Abby Wilson, junior in social studies education.
The parade traveled east on Thach Avenue, north on Gay Street, west on Magnolia Avenue and south on College Street, returning back to Thach.
The parade ended with Aubie waving to the crowd atop an Auburn Fire Department firetruck. Many onlookers remarked that Aubie was their favorite part of the celebration, while others were more excited to see people that they knew in the parade.
“We love Auburn and all things Auburn. We came down with our daughter — this is her first Homecoming Parade. I’m excited for an Auburn win this weekend, and one of the Homecoming candidates nannies for [my daughter], so we came to support her,” said Claire Langhout, an Auburn alumna.
Some attendees drove from out of town to enjoy the parade and the festivities of the weekend.
“My son is in the band, and I'm looking forward to the Alumni Band. There’s 311 alumni coming back to march at halftime. My favorite part of Homecoming is coming to Auburn — football, the band, the whole game day experience,” said Cynthia Pollard, an Auburn alumna who traveled to Auburn for the weekend.
Pollard was not the only one looking forward to game day. Many attendees buzzed about their excitement for the Homecoming game on Saturday and their hopes for an Auburn win.
“I’m most excited for the game. I’ve always loved Auburn football, and I’ve always been an Auburn football fan. No matter who we play or where it is, I’m always there,” said Jordan Caskey, sophomore in industrial and systems engineering.
As the parade came to a close, the crowd made their way to Samford Lawn for a pep rally and Homecoming social. The festivities continued into the evening, fostering a sense of community and Auburn pride.
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Sam Vise, senior in journalism, is the Assistant Culture Editor for The Auburn Plainsman. She has previously served as a culture writer and community reporter.
