On Sep. 12, Auburn University hosted their annual homecoming parade. Beginning at 6 p.m., the parade ran through downtown Auburn, featuring local businesses, student organizations and other members of the community.
Leading the parade was Grand Marshal Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award-winning actress and known alumnus of the university. The Auburn University cheerleaders, Tiger Paws and marching band tailed Spencer. The 2025 Miss Homecoming candidates soon followed, with each driven down the parade route in their own vehicles.
Morgan McKenzie, junior in musical theatre, shared what float she was most looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to the theatre float that the AU Players made. I personally haven’t seen it yet, but I know they’ve been working on it for a long time,” McKenzie said. “They’ve been trying to get as many volunteers as they can.”
The Homecoming Parade serves as an annual event for the community and, for some, offers a sense of nostalgia.
“I’m from Montgomery, and I think the first time I went to the homecoming parade was when I was a Girl Scout,” McKenzie said. “I was little, and we had a trip to Auburn. Other than that, this is my first parade as a student.”
Among those in the parade were business like Lily Jane Boutique, Auburn Downtown Limo and Make Your Move Performing Arts. The parade also featured Auburn University student organizations and colleges, ranging from Beat Bama Food Drive and Pride on the Plains to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
Ryan Hill, alumnus of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, shared his experience being a part of the parade.
“I got to be in the parade, and I was able to represent the College of Engineering. It was a huge honor because I’ve always come to the parade, but I’ve never seen how many people attend until I walked through it,” Hill said. “It was cool to see the community, see tons of people you know and it’s just a fun time. It’s what makes Auburn so special.”
The parade also offered students with an opportunity to watch their friends involved in the celebration and get them excited for the rest of the weekend.
Tate Anderson, freshman in civil engineering, shared his experiences watching the parade.
“I have a few friends in the band, so it was nice getting to see them,” Anderson said. “I’m excited for the game tomorrow. It’s gonna be hot, but it’s gonna be fun.”
Aubie the Tiger was the last part of the parade, along with the Auburn Fire Department personnel who greeted onlookers from a fire truck.
The parade ended at Samford Hall, where viewers engaged in a pep rally put on by the Auburn University cheerleaders and marching band. Following the show from the marching band, Grand Marshal Spencer led the crowd in a series of chants.
Soon after, the 2025 Miss Homecoming candidates took the stage, and SGA President Owen Beaverstock recognized them before the crowd. The pep rally then continued with chants like “Bodda Getta” and “Track 'em Tigers.”
The homecoming festivities continue tomorrow with the football game beginning at 11:45 a.m. This game will be the first time the Auburn Tigers have faced off against the South Alabama Jaguars in program history. The winner of Miss Homecoming 2025 will also be announced at halftime after voting ended at 3 p.m. today.
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