Tradition keeps KU's homecoming afloat
By Julle Wood
Kansan Correspondent
Some people will march to the beat of their own drum, while others will watch people marching in tomorrow's homecoming parade.
Chancellor Robert Hemenway will start the parade at 2:30 p.m. at the Chi Omega fountain. The parade, will expect to last about 20 minutes, will end at the Adams Alumni Center.
The theme for the parade is "Jayhawk for President," reflecting the presidential elections and the Olympics. The parade will run the same as it has in previous years.
"If it works, why change it?" asked Scott Neal, Student Union Activities graduate adviser.
The parade will feature many bands, including the Marching Jayhawks and area high school bands. Parade participants will mostly be KU organizations. In previous years, there have been as many as 16 floats and as few as six floats, Neal said.
The main goal of the homecoming committee this year is involvement.
"We want to get more students at the parade," said Casey Liebst, homecoming committee member. "Last year it was mostly the community, and that's not what the parade is about. It is a time for people to realize what school's all about."
Fraternities and sororities will make up a big part of the parade this year.
Brian Johnson, co-chair for the Triangle and Alpha Xi Delta fraternities' float, said members had been working hard.
"It's all putting together and organizing the float," said Johnson, Spring Hill junior. "Building the float takes at least 60 hours."
Johnson estimated that the float would cost $800.
But Triangle and Alpha Xi Delta co-chair Jennifer Schroll, Kearney, Neb., sophomore, said it was worth it.
"It's about participating and getting involved," she said. "We're making a statement about the greek system getting involved and having fun. It shows teamwork and organization."
Floats are judged in three categories: mobile with moving parts, mobile without moving parts and decorated vehicle. The winner of each category will be announced at 5 p.m. on KJHK and at the football game.
The parade will be held regardless of the weather.
Banners also will be carried in the parade. SUA provided banners to KU organizations, and the organizations decorated the banners themselves.
"Last year it was misty, but we have to go ahead and do it," Liebst said. "It's kind of a one-shot deal. If it's rainy, it's rainy."
"I hope everyone has a good time," Liebst said. "Making the floats takes a lot of time and effort, and I hope that the people who make them keep it up this year."
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