Prior to the Homecoming football game versus the University of Central Arkansas, the annual Homecoming Parade made its way across campus and the surrounding community. The parade included 2011 Homecoming King Jordan Leggett, the 2012 Homecoming Court, President John L. Crain, Miss Southeastern 2013 Renee’ Picou, the Spirit of the Southland marching band and several floats created and manned by Southeastern students.
Those riding in the parade gathered in the parking lot behind Textbook Rental on North Campus at 1:30 p.m., and the parade began rolling at 3 p.m.
“I’m super excited about being in the parade today,” said Kaylee George, a member of the 2012 Homecoming Court. “Homecoming is such an awesome week, and I am honored to represent Southeastern.”
The parade was led by the Southeastern fire engine with Roomie the Lion sitting on top and waving to fans.
After the fire trucks and the Homecoming Court, a line of floats passed spectators. Each float was designed by a group of student organizations and reflected a particular Olympic event that went along with the 2012 Homecoming Week’s theme: “Roomie Goes for the Gold.”
“I think the parade was really fun,” said Lana Henry, a sophomore majoring in special education and member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. “We worked really hard to build [the float], and once that was all accomplished, riding on it was super fun. I’m a special needs education major, so my favorite part was throwing candy and beads to all the special needs kids in the crowd! It was so cute.”
Henry rode on a float with Alpha Sigma Tau and their Homecoming Week partners Kappa Sigma, Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Phi Alpha. Their basketball-themed float received third place in the float competition.
The team of Alpha Omicron Pi and Kappa Alpha received second place for their equestrian-themed float, and the team of Phi Mu, Sigma Tau Gamma and the NAACP received first place for their track and field-themed float.
The crowd was thickest in Friendship Circle, where many Lion fans gathered to tailgate and to watch the parade.
“I loved how energetic and excited everyone was, people on the floats and people just watching,” said Donovan Fredericks, a second year freshman majoring in engineering technology and a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. “It was a great atmosphere with beautiful weather, making it an overall great Homecoming day.”