Deadline for CSU Homecoming Parade Approaching

The deadline for student groups to submit an entry for Colorado State University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend Parade is fast approaching. The last day to register is Friday, Sept. 19. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. The theme of this year’s event is "It is Easy Being Green." Activities are open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and the entire community.

Colorado State student organizations are eligible to apply for grants up to $500 for materials to assist in building floats. The money has been earmarked by the Associated Students of Colorado State University from student fees. Space for building floats will also be available to a limited number of student organizations.

"ASCSU and the Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement Office have worked hard to make the parade much more accessible for CSU students, and now it’s time for students to step up and support this year’s event," said Taylor Smoot, president of ASCSU.

This year’s parade is on a new day and has a new route. The Homecoming and Family Weekend Steering Committee, made up of students, staff, and community members, explored ways of enhancing the tradition and the long-term benefits the parade offers the university as well as the Fort Collins community.

"Our vision is to create a weekend of events, beginning with the Homecoming Parade, that will bring alumni and friends back to Fort Collins on Friday each year for a CSU and community celebration," said Matt Helmer, Steering Committee co-chairman and director of CSU Events.

The Homecoming Committee also examined ways to effectively address a significant lack of participation by CSU students, colleges and departments; a desire for higher quality floats and entries; and concerns about the extended length of the parade.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10 at its traditional starting point at Mountain Avenue and Howes Street in downtown Fort Collins, and after moving down Howes, will travel through the Oval in the historic heart of campus. The parade will continue across the university plaza and conclude on campus at Meridian Avenue and University Avenue, at the Homecoming Festival on the West Lawn of the Lory Student Center.

The end of the parade also serves as the start for a new campus and community Homecoming Festival beginning at about 6:30 p.m. on the West Lawn. The festival will be kicked off by CSU football coach Steve Fairchild and Ram football players, and includes a pep rally, food, live music and a family-friendly atmosphere. The event will end with the traditional bonfire, lighting of the "A" and fireworks. The goal of the festival is to create an annual family-friendly event that celebrates the university-community partnership.

Fees for parade entries range from $75 for all CSU and education groups, including Poudre School District entries, to $150 for businesses, non-profit, community groups and other entries. All entries submitted after the Sept. 19 deadline will be charged a late fee of $150.

Homecoming and Family Weekend events are open to the public, but costs vary for some of the activities, including Friday night’s Festival. For more information, a schedule of events and event registration details, visit www.homecoming.colostate.edu.

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