MUNCIE, Ind. — Anticipation is high for the Ball State Homecoming Parade, but before the parade kicks off on Saturday, final preparations are underway.
“We just showed up at Muncie Central. This is where the lineup will be starting and and the parade start will happen,” Ella Feliciano, Homecoming Chair, said.
Organizers placed numbered markers according to where the floats will be positioned. The parade route extends throughout central Muncie, and there will be plenty of spots for the community to watch and line the streets.
Feliciano says that participants have specific positions in the lineup and that it is crucial that everything is coordinated.
“We are taking spray paint and marking individual spots, it’s really important for us to be accurate because we have different size floats, cars and walking, and we want to make sure to accommodate the different size vehicles.”
Feliciano says that student organizations, volunteers and overall participants for the parade are up this year.
“We are getting close to 100. We had to close applications at the beginning of this week, so it’s really exciting. We have four marching bands, 33 floats, 33 cars and 17 of our own dignitaries,” Feliciano explained.
The parade is enriched in tradition, not just celebrating Ball State but the community of Muncie, and each year the parade has a designated theme.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Rev The Red,” inspired by the Indiana tradition of racing, which showcases Ball State pride.
Ashley Anderson is the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement at Ball State and advisor of the parade. She has been overseeing the preparations for two years.
“I think we have a really fun theme, “Rev The Red,” said Anderson. “It’s all about racing and cars, I think the community and campus organizations that are participating in the parade are really embracing that.” There will also be a viewing party for the Ball State alumni on the corner of University and McKinley Avenue.
Feliciano is a soon-to-be alumna, set to graduate in 2026. She says the parade represents the community coming together.
“I’ve attended the parade for three years, and each time everyone comes out and has a great time.” Anderson is also a Ball State alumna who loves that the tradition continues.
“It’s really important to me, even more as an alumn to see the tradition continue and to be a part of the organization team and see the impact the parade has on the community.”
The parade begins Saturday at 9 a.m..
Contact Isaiah Fairrow with comments at isaiah.fairrow@bsu.edu
