The parade featured Sparty, the Spartan Marching Band, the MSU Alumni Band, the MSU Cheerleaders and Dance Team, student organizations, the MSU homecoming court, greek sororities and fraternities, East Lansing community groups, Michigan high school bands, the homecoming committee, MSU President Lou Anna Simon, the Army ROTC, and many more.

“My favorite part of the parade is all of the marching bands. I love how loud drum-line is and the how you can feel the music; they are so good,” said undecided freshman Mandy Cole.

This year’s grand marshals for the parade were MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo and his wife, Lupe Izzo. They were chosen because they have been a part of the MSU community for over 20 years fitting into the theme this year of Spartans for Life, according to the Alumni Association website.

Ronald McDonald was one character that is usually a part of the parade but did not make an appearance this year. The Ronald McDonald House is trying to be sensitive to the climate on campus, according to a State News article.

People of all ages came out to watch the parade organized by the Alumni Association and celebrate an MSU tradition.

“With many Spartans returning to campus for Homecoming you can expect between 5000-10,000 people lining the streets of East Lansing and the MSU Campus to watch the parade. It is a fun and electric event,” said parade coordinator and chair on the homecoming committee Regina Cross.

Registered Student Organizations participating in the parade are eligible for the best float, best banner, best group, best spartan spirit, best community group and best campus group awards, according to the alumni association website. The RSOs selected will receive their awards Saturday during halftime at the MSU vs Northwestern homecoming football game.

During the 1950s and 1960s students held the Water Carnival Parade down the Red Cedar River. However, the homecoming parade as we know it has been a tradition since 1980, and that tradition continues to live on.

“I would definitely go to the parade again next year because it’s full of so much school spirit and it is so exciting,” said computer science freshmen Omo Irumundomon.