Homecoming parade draws few students

Last year’s Homecoming queen and king ride in a float during the parade this year. DTH photos/ Tyler Benton

The Homecoming parade was met with the support of many locals and alumni but lacked a strong student presence, despite Student Body President Jasmin Jones’ strong push for the revitalization of the event.

The parade, which hadn’t been held since 1993, lasted about 20 minutes — shorter than the estimated 45 minutes. It began on East Cameron Avenue, snaked its way through Franklin Street and finished on Raleigh Street.

A scattering of students woke up by 11 a.m. to watch the Marching Tar Heels lead the parade.

“For the first parade in 16 years, I don’t think it was an accurate representation of school spirit,” said sophomore Stephanie Tan, who came out to watch the parade.

“But I still thought it was awesome, and if they continue to do this, it’s going to get better.”

While the parade didn’t bring back the energy and fervor of past parades, it was a chance for alumni to see representatives of the current student body.

“It’s really exciting,” said Chris Stones, a member of the Marching Tar Heels. “It’s what attaches people to Carolina, and helps to bring back more of the alumni.”

Though past parades usually showcased many floats, this year only three student groups made their own floats: the Student Membership Leadership Council of the General Alumni Association, the Carolina Union Activities Board and Carolina Fever.

Floats are time-consuming to make and are costly, which may be why so few were in the parade, said Tina Chen-Xu, assistant director of planning and operations in the Student Membership Leadership Council.

She said she could not say the exact amount that was spent on the council’s float.

Tommy Sims, a 1978 graduate who returned for the Homecoming game, said that while the parade has changed, the return of the tradition helps boost team spirit on game day.

“While I don’t remember the score of the game, I do remember the parade,” Sims said.

In previous years, the parade was held on the Friday afternoon before the game, and would draw in students as well as many people from the area, Sims said.

He said Franklin Street businesses closed and many of the fraternities had contests to see who could make the most creative float for the “Beat Duke” parade.

Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Executive Director Jim Norton said there was no way to predict how much money comes in from events like Homecoming.

“There’s no way to measure it,” he said.

Heather Frazier, the retail division manager of Johnny T-Shirt, said it doesn’t matter whether there’s a parade to draw business.

“Carolina fans are going to come out and support their team regardless,” she said.

Staff writer Seth Crawford contributed reporting.

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.