The streets near campus were crowded on Friday, Oct. 6, when 100s of Gator fans arrived for that annual University of Florida Homecoming Parade. Each street corner was filled up with lawn chairs and families who were willing to comprehend the parade and display their Gator pride.
The parade began at noon, and the intricate floats danced their way through University Avenue for a couple hours. Cheerleaders, marching bands, pageant winners and dancers were amongst those which are featured, each finding the fans excited to the activities the school would host via the weekend. Some floats were piled high with all the school’s colors, and some stayed have less the earth with decorations like handmade alligators.
Parade-goers sported their orange and blue apparel and celebrated your house coming of UF alumni. University Avenue was packed with excited fans and street vendors who sold pizza, snow cones, Philly cheesesteaks and Gator gear.
Ron Blake has long been attending UF homecoming parades since 1965, as he began his education with the University of Florida.
“I have orange and blue blood up,” Blake said.
Blake, his wife with his fantastic children necessary received degrees from your University and from now on his grandson plays football for UF, he stated. What’s more, he held seats for his grandchildren walking in the parade.
“You take action for you therefore you take action for your children therefore you undertake it to your grandkids,” Blake said.
The excitement of bringing the ones you love on the event is special, said Faith Percival, UF health education and behaviors student.
“It’s so awesome,” Percival said. “I’m the first at my family to venture to college so bringing my mother here was a proud moment to me.”
Near Percival stands a younger onlooker, face painted to resemble a gator. The fan, Noah, 10, arrive at 10 a.m. to watch after the parade along with his brothers.
The family arrived early to assure to secure good spots. The center of attention on the parade was the floats, Noah said.
“I i just wanted to see just what might be like,” he added.
