the 2004 homecoming parade

Follow  the Blue & Black Road

Published October 29 2004

As the clock ticked-away the minutes to Homecoming Parade time, the weather did not look good. Rain filled the sky and washed-away the autumn dust. Then the rain stopped! As if on que. Mr. Noonan must really weild some power in this community. Good timing, too, as carloads of paraders arrived at the staging ground—Union Mill Elementary School. Each class worked furiously to apply the final touches to their floats and get them to the school on time. Some last minute coordination of the parade route, stopping traffic, and it was show time!

The one-mile parade route was populated with proud parents, little brothers and sisters, and Wildcat fans from everywhere—most of whom waited for the candy to be tossed in their direction. First, Station 17 took the lead with their shiny fire truck and ambulance. They were followed by Mr. Noonan and family, all cozy in the back of Mr. G’s big, black (but where’s the blue?) H2. The marching band then joined the parade looking sharp and serious.

A caravan of convertibles introduced us to school VIPs and the homecoming princesses from each class. The rain has ceased, but a shower of candy was tossed from each and every car to folks along the parade route. Those kids (young and old) sure know how to scramble for sweet treats. Colorful, clever floats represented each class and reflected their own design and construction, with the Class of 2008 taking the lead, and the entire parade ending with the Class of 2005. The parade continued through Little Rocky Run to the high school, which was buzzing with anticipation of the arrival of the TC Williams football team and the rest of the evening’s Homecoming festivities.