UF's 83rd annual Homecoming parade starts at noon Friday

October 4, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s 83rd annual Homecoming parade starts at noon Friday.

The parade runs along University Avenue between Gale Lemerand Drive and Main Street.

The parade is one of the longest standing traditions at UF. For more than 80 years, the city of Gainesville and the University of Florida have worked together to create the largest student-run parade in the country.

More than 100,000 people will line the streets of University Avenue to observe the numerous bands, floats and special units. Members of the band Sister Hazel will serve as grand marshals of the parade.

“I believe the Homecoming parade is amazing because it brings the students of the University of Florida and the local Gainesville community together,” said parade director Justin Stone.

Since 1924, UF’s Homecoming has been a long-established tradition. The 2006 Homecoming celebration, held in Gainesville, Fla., will take place Oct. 2-7 culminating with the largest student run pep rally in the nation, Gator Growl.

For more information, call 352-392-1671, ext. 400, or visit the Web site http://www.ufhomecoming.org or e-mail Anna Fletcher at af430@ufl.edu.