Rain or shine, Aggies showed up for USU’s annual downtown Logan Homecoming Parade

Utah State University’s 2019 homecoming parade on Saturday was not a sunny occasion. Rain poured onto Main Street and the floats as they lined up for procession.

Despite the weather, large crowds still gathered for the parade. “We love USU, and we love homecoming,” Logan resident Bobbie Bowen said.

Before the parade began, Aggie fans donned umbrellas, set up canopies and huddled together on the sidewalk. Even families with children were not deterred from attending the event.

“We were driving down 400 North thinking, ‘what are we doing?’” Bowen said. Bowen’s two small children were seated in a jogging stroller as the parade passed by.

“The sun came out a little right before the start of the parade, and we thought it was just meant to be,” Bowen said. Joyce Adams from North Logan agrees.

“We are avid Aggie supporters,” Adams said. “My husband got his Ph.D. from USU, so we have really been fans forever.”

When asked if the rain put a damper on their spirits, Adams proudly said, ‘Not at all.’

“We think our children and grandchildren are chicken for not coming out with us,” she added.

During the parade, the rain would come and go, but parade participants continued to hand out candy, frisbees and water bottles to the large throngs that had gathered in the street. Participants on the floats smiled as they waved and called to the crowds.

“My husband and I were impressed by the number of people who came out in the rain. There are literally dozens just on our side,” Adams said.

Even individuals who took shelter under canopies were happy to be there.

“This is our favorite parade,” Logan resident Lisa Ringle said. “This is a tradition for us. We are alumni, and we wouldn’t refuse to come just because of the rain.”

Patrons came well dressed for the occasion, many wearing rain jackets and boots while carrying large umbrellas with them. Small children seemed content to be outside as they jumped in puddles, ran into the street to get candy and then ran back to jump in more puddles.

“The rain really does make the event more exciting,” Joni Hoth from Providence said, as several children splashed in the water by her feet.

“We come to this parade every year,” Hoth added. Several of her family members nodded and noted that they “hadn’t missed a year yet.”

About halfway through the parade, the rain came down so hard that several families ran for shelter to their cars or the convenience stores on the corners. Many parade-goers, however,  lifted their umbrellas and continued to watch the procession.

“We were well prepared for this. We brought stuff to be ready for the rain and didn’t want to miss any of it,” Hoth said.

As the rain became a light drizzle, many people ventured from their hiding spots and came back into the street to get more prizes. The marching band and cheerleaders, completely soaked, continued to play and wave to the crowds.

“We are alumni, and this will always be an Aggie tradition,” Hoth said. Several members of her family noted they were glad the parade was not cancelled.

When asked if true aggies would bear the rain and come out, parade-goers smiled and said ‘of course!’

The parade began at 10 a.m. on 100 south and Main Street. The parade went until noon and ended at the corner of 700 north and Main Street.

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