Community parades together
The rainy weather failed to dull the spirits of the Liberty University alumni, students and children who came out to watch the Homecoming parade Saturday, Oct. 20.
The parade took place on University Boulevard. Cheers arose from the crowds assembled on the sidewalks as the parade came into sight. Children — and everyone else — reached for candy thrown from floats, and the crowd enjoyed watching the student groups, floats and vehicles as the parade participants waved to them.
Liberty’s marching band, The Spirit of the Mountain, played a lively beat as they marched, and the color guard danced to the rhythm. Liberty’s dance team, The Flamettes, flashed bright smiles and waved pom-poms, performing for the crowd. The Liberty Synchronized skating team also made an appearance at the parade.
Other participants included Christian radio station The Journey, the Lynchburg Sheriff, Liberty Club Sports, the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company and the Liberty University cheerleading squad.
In addition, the Liberty’s racquetball team rode on a float, and the equestrian center held a banner as they walked in the parade.
The Chick-fil-A cow and Liberty mascot Sparky joined the crowds as the parade marched on and candy was thrown to excited onlookers.
The School of Nursing celebrated Nurse Appreciation Day with a float of their own. Students on the float held signs that said, “We are integrity,” “We are understanding” and “We are faith.”
President Jerry Falwell Jr. and First Lady Becki Falwell also attended the parade, riding on a red Mercedes convertible with their 7-month-old granddaughter, Virginia.
Vice President of Spiritual Affairs David Nasser was also a part of the parade, throwing candy to attendees.
Athletic Director Ian McCaw also attended.
Student Brianna Baker described the parade atmosphere.
“It’s definitely cold, but everyone’s really excited,” Baker said. “There’s a lot of people who are alumni with their kids. It’s definitely a diverse atmosphere of students and alumni and people from the local community.
Baker and her friends came to the parade from the Homecoming tailgate, another event celebrating Homecoming weekend.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Erin Diaz Cleveland explained how many people are involved with putting the parade on.
“Hundreds. Student Activities plans the event, clubs and organizations sign up to have their float in the parade, and then the Liberty fans crowd the sidewalks,” Diaz Cleveland said. “We are all vital parts of the event.”
Diaz Cleveland said the parade planning begins a few months in advance, and she always looks forward to participating in it herself.
“I always enjoy seeing the fans on the sidewalks as we round the corner from Regents Parkway to University Boulevard,” Diaz Cleveland said.
The parade was one of many events hosted during Homecoming weekend.