On Saturday, October 23, the annual UW Homecoming Parade that has been a tradition for over 80 years will begin at 9:30 a.m. at 9th and Ivinson.
The university will be returning to more traditional homecoming events after many of last year’s activities were held virtually.
Planning the parade involved collaboration between the city of Laramie, the university and the Alumni Association.
“The city essentially is a resource to make sure that there is no conflict with any other event or any construction and roadwork issues,” said Nancy Oakland-Potter, Executive Assistant to the City Manager.
Groups that will be featured in the parade were also required to fill out permits.
“It’s a form that they complete. Basically, it helps ensure that those participating in the event will follow these safety guidelines so that we have a safe and fun event for the people participating as well as those that are watching the event,” Oakland-Potter said.
Keener Fry, Executive Director of the UW Alumni Association, said that parade preparation involved working with the city and university to ensure the usual route was available due to construction currently happening.
“We have also been promoting to groups who have participated before and new groups to participate,” Fry said. “We’ll still add some groups and activities. There’s always something incoming, and we accommodate those. Really, it’s communicating with those groups and ensuring they know where they’re going to be in the lineup.”
Fry said that groups who will be featured in the parade include the Western Thunder Marching Band, the UW cheer squad, athletics, fraternity and sorority groups, residence life and dining, corporate groups and nonprofit organizations in Laramie, ASUW and distinguished alumni.
Governor Mark Gordon, Senator Barrasso and Senator Lummis will also participate in the parade.
Joe Carver, Director of the Western Thunder Marching Band, said that the band will be playing a mix of percussion cadences and the school song throughout the parade.
“The whole band will be there, lined up in parade formation and playing the whole time,” Carver said. “I think that the marching band is an integral part of creating that atmosphere for the homecoming parade. It’s the rallying of school spirit and playing school songs that have been around and apart of the university for a long time.”
This year’s parade will feature a new addition known as Cowboy Coffee, where attendees can purchase breakfast and warm beverages before the event begins.
“Cowboy Coffee will be at the south lot, south of the Old Main. There’ll be a tent starting at 7 a.m. with burritos served, some pastries, coffee and hot drinks,” Fry said. “We think it will add some excitement to the parade.”
Fry said that the parade connects the university with the city of Laramie and highlights a sense of community and tradition within the town.
“It draws some activity to our businesses downtown before the game. It has been a staple of our homecoming activities for a long time,” Fry said. “The university does need Laramie, and I think the university adds a tremendous value to the Laramie community with what we bring from cultural activities, athletic activities, and intriguing academic lectures.”
