Troy community attends the Homecoming Parade

Saturday marked the day of the Homecoming football game, starting the day of celebrations at Troy downtown with the Homecoming parade. 

At 10 a.m., South Three Notch Street and roads surrounding the square were closed off for this parade. The sidewalks were filled with community members and Troy students celebrating the Homecoming season. 

Tilley Dromboski photo

Anna Grace Tucker and Grace Shellhouse wave to the Troy Community.

“I really like watching the bands,” said AnaGrace Atkins, a sophomore psychology major from Opelika, Alabama.  “The music’s really loud but it’s really pretty. 

“I like coming and seeing all the community. Also, parades are just cool and don’t happen often.” 

The parade kicked off being led by Troy’s color guard and the Pike County Sheriff. Troy University’s Sound of the South marching band followed T-Roy through the streets.

Multiple bands from various nearby high schools also marched through the parade and performed, such as Charles Henderson High School, Goshen High School and many others. 

“Troy is celebrated here from the high schools, the colleges, to the local businesses, and it’s really cool to see the whole community come together,” said Sarah Francis, a senior rehab major from Jacksonville, Alabama. “My favorite part of the parade was seeing the high schools come up and celebrate all the different bands. 

“I would also come to the Troy Christmas parade because it is very similar to this, and you get to see all parts of the community.” 

The fraternities and sororities each built their own parade floats following the theme of Homecoming. With the theme being “There’s no place like Troy,” many took inspiration from “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz.”Hundreds of fraternity and sorority members marched alongside their floats, holding colorful shakers and cheering. 

Tilley Dromboski photo

Fraternities and Sororities show off their floats at the parade.

“It’s so much fun walking and cheering with my sorority,” said Lacie Shelnutt, a junior early childhood education major from Trussville, Alabama. “My favorite part is walking in the parade. 

“It’s just a great way to start the day by celebrating Troy. This is my third year doing it, and I love it so much.” 

Many organizations from the area, including small businesses downtown, participated in the parade. Some made floats of their own while others used the opportunity to share their work with the community. 

For more information about future events like this, visit Downtown Troy’s Instagram page @downtowntroy36081.