The annual homecoming parade will take place on Friday, Sept. 27, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in downtown Utica.

“It’s really cool to be in the parade,” junior Brandon Lockard said, “showing some team spirit.”

The parade starts at Jimmy Johns Field, where clubs, students, sports teams and the homecoming court will meet. While many student council members will ride or walk by their class floats, others will simply ride in a car or truck, tossing candy to children lining the streets.

“It’s exciting seeing all the people who gathered on the side of the road to watch us,” junior cheerleader Jessica Wise said. “I also have a sense of pride knowing that I’m showing school spirit by cheerleading in the parade.”

The homecoming court will ride together in a trolley, and the king and queen will be named later that night, at the varsity football game. Kickoff time is 7 p.m., when the Chieftains face the Lakeview Huskies.