The Parade Goes On
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The early bird catches the parade?
As early as 9 a.m., the residents of Cache Valley started coming together to celebrate the weekend by watching the annual Homecoming parade.
The Homecoming Parade is an event tailored to families and students throughout Cache Valley. It was organized by the Associated Students of Utah State University, though many other Utah State University students participated as well.
“There’s so much enthusiasm and excitement here. It really brings Cache Valley together,” said Kim Mills, a mother who was at the parade with her family.
The parade was led by the American flag and then came the USU marching band, whose percussion and trumpets roused the audience in anticipation of the coming procession.
Throughout the parade, many student organizations were featured, such as the Utah State Theater. Participants in the UST float were dressed in various elaborate costumes representing different characters from the world of theater.
Another float that sported costumed participants was created by the Fantasyland Of Costumes, a costume business in North Logan. The costumes were varied, including a colorful jester and a big pink gorilla.
One of the most elaborate and colorful floats advertised the rewards of joining the International Study program. It was decorated in an Asian style, including a statue of Buddha and a large colorful dragon. Written characters used in China, Japan and Korea decorated the sides of the float.
Another USU organization, the USU Big Band Swing club, danced to rollicking music on top of its float, impressing onlookers and potential future Aggies.
“We should join that club when we get to college,” said two teenage girls, who were charmed by the Swing Club’s performance.
The parade also featured three high school marching bands and three groups of dancers.
The Homecoming royalty made an appearance, waving to people on the sidelines. There were also floats promoting political campaigns.
Kids of all ages were involved in the parade, including floats from the Sunshine Group and La Shars Dance Image.
The Logan Library had a presentation as well, but rather than having a decorated float, the library staff had book carts and were weaving them up and down the road in drill team fashion.
The parade ended with a cement truck that was painted all the way around with two USU logos.
Cache Valley residents and students lined the entire parade route.
“There are usually a couple thousand people here, and it’s been growing over the years,” said Sgt. Pat Wolcott, a police officer who was moderating traffic at the parade. “Sometimes you’ll see up to three generations here.”
During the parade the streets were lined with children, who watched the parade eagerly with candy bags in their hands. Many people on their floats, buses or ambulances threw candy to onlookers on the side of the street and by the end of the parade, many children had at least one-fourth of a grocery bag full of candy.
In Vernal, and other places in Utah, candy-throwing has been banned because of possible injuries. No one in Logan seems to mind much, according to some residents of the city.
“I don’t think the parade would be as popular without all the candy,” said Emily Knight, a parade spectator. “It’s the reason my grandkids want to come.”
People from all over Cache Valley came to enjoy the programs and organizations featured in the Main Street parade.
After the parade, the street gutters were more littered , but according to Wolcott, there was a relatively small amount of junk to clean up.
“Most places count [parade audiences] by how much trash they leave behind, but everyone here picks up after themselves,” Wolcott said.
There were also some traffic problems because the parade’s route stretched along Main Street between 100 South and 700 North, but to many observers, the parade was a big success and a lot of fun.
“Everyone comes to it; this is the best parade in Logan,” Mills said.
In addition to the parade, there were other Homecoming events to get involved in on Saturday as well.
Proceeding the parade was a 5K run, which started from the same place the parade did. Early-birds to the parade got to see the race start off.
A book group and family picnic were held later Saturday afternoon. For future Aggies, campus tours were held and other offers were extended to invite possible students to explore the opportunities at USU.
-maripark@cc.usu.edu
USU Mascot, Big Blue, gives a thumb up and meets with spectators during the Homecoming Parade. (Photo by Jennifer Wheatley)
The ASUSU was part of the Homecoming Parade held on Main Street in Downtown Logan Saturday morning. (Photo by Jennifer Wheatley)