That 5:30 a.m. alarm can startle, but Homecoming day begins early for those in charge of the parade.

Floats have to be assembled and moved to the school. Finishing touches of pomp must be added. Court members have to find their cars. Then there’s the job of getting all the groups together and in order. The silver lining- everyone loves a parade.

One look down the parade route and it was easy to see the excitement among the younger students. They brought their noisemakers and enthusiasm in anticipation.

Dogs, a firetruck, floats, the band, cheerleaders, the Varsity Lions, the Homecoming Court and even a gorilla greeted all along the way.

As the groups passed, they slapped hands with the Little Lions and felt the warmth through their contagious smiles.

The parade made its way past Main Street and wound around to Lions Stadium where the Homecoming Pep Rally began immediately after.