A larger celebration broke out on the streets of Muncie for Homecoming, as 55 entries traveled through the city for Saturday's parade.
Students and families came out to see the parade, which began at Muncie Central High School at 8:30 a.m. and continued through downtown, the Village, and McKinley Avenue.
Celebrating "Rock the Red," creative opportunities were plentiful for groups decorating their floats.
Many floats included rock music, some live and some lip synced. Even though the parade took place in the morning, students and Muncie residents began the party early by singing and dancing on floats.
Other entries were in the form of cars, walkers and golf carts.
Chanel Richards, Homecoming general chairwoman, said the parade went even better this year than last year, adding that the parade is a way to connect the community to campus.
"Everyone was ready and in order," Richards said. "They all put in a lot to decorate. I think even more people came out this year to watch and get candy."
The parade was also larger this year. Richards said it was decided to take some businesses off the parade waiting list. Rather than having the standard 20 community entries, 25 were included in this year's parade.
One incentive for participating in the parade is awards.
Community entries include awards in each of the categories: car/walking, golf carts and floats. Campus entries had even more chances to win awards. For each of the three entry categories, an award for residence hall, independent and greek will also be given out.
The four high school bands that participated will be rewarded being ranked by judges.
All winners will be announced this morning. They will be notified via e-mail and phone.
Sophomore J.P. Bechtel, who lip synced for the duration of the parade on the Spectrum float, said he had a blast participating for the second year in a row.
"I think it is important for student organizations to be part of the parade so that the members have the opportunity to work on a team to build a float, and then to be in the parade, which is always a lot of fun," Bechtel said. "My favorite part of the parade is seeing all the people cheering us on as we pass, and the look on the kids faces when we wave and give them candy."
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