Homecoming
Floats provide spirit for parade-goers, greek houses
Courtesy University Archives
A float in the 1978 parade shows a halftime score of Kansas 7, Iowa State University, 3 1/2. Iowa State, however, defeated Kansas 13-7.
Movie characters just one part of 1995 theme "Hollywood on the Hill"
Kelly Entreken, Mission Viejo, Calif., sophomore, was eager to get started on Kappa Alpha Theta's float for this year's homecoming parade.
Her sorority and other winners from last year seek to defend their first-place float titles when the big parade begins at 2:20 p.m. Friday and winds its way down Jayhawk Boulevard.
"Last year it really brought the house together," Entreken said. "I know we will have the same teamwork effort this year."
The homecoming theme is "Hollywood on the Hill." Both contemporary and vintage movie characters are expected to be the basis of many floats.
Traditional parade participants include sororities, fraternities, residence halls and other campus organizations. Each group invests between $300 and $500 for each float and about two weeks of work.
Mike Cain, Bellevue, Neb., sophomore and homecoming chairman for Alpha Kappa Lambda, said that he and his fraternity were excited to participate in the homecoming parade again this year. They are paired with Alpha Gamma Delta.
"A lot of guys are pumped about it," Cain said. "If nobody participates, homecoming looses its luster."
Cain also said that building the floats strengthened sorority and fraternity relations because there were lots of parties and fun.
Gina McClain, Leawood junior and special events coordinator for Kappa Alpha Theta, said she was excited to be involved again with homecoming. McClain said the floats were a good way to bring out spirit. Her sorority is partners with Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
At the end of the parade, all of the organizations will display the floats on their front lawns.
Student Union Activities, Student Alumni Association and the Board of Class Officers are sponsoring the event. Susan Hoffman, one of the program coordinators for SUA, said she expected 10,000-15,000 spectators.
Kansas assistant football coach Golden Pat Ruel will be the master of ceremonies during the parade along with several KU football players. Chancellor Robert Hemenway also will address the crowd.
Last year's winners for each of the three categories were:
Best Movable Float—Alpha Omicron Pi and Tau Kappa Epsilon
Best Non-movable Float—Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Kappa Lambda
Best Decorated Vehicle—Rock Chalk Review
— BY SHANNON SPRINKEL
BREAKFAST·LUNCH·DINNER
1995 Winfield Hancock
Homecoming 21