Homecoming: A Community Celebration before the big game!

It’s October and the Viking Ship is set to sail.

Ah, it must be homecoming! The word alone conjures images of spirited parades, dazzling floats, raucous football games, and maybe a hint of glitter still clinging to your best outfit from the dance. But what exactly is the history behind this time-honored tradition, and how did it evolve into the massive celebration we know today? Let’s take a joyful stroll down memory lane.

A (Brief) History Lesson

Homecoming, at its core, is about exactly what it sounds like: coming home. The tradition dates back over a century, with roots firmly planted in American soil. While several universities, including the University of Missouri, Baylor University, and the University of Illinois, claim to have hosted the first homecoming event, it’s generally agreed that the concept originated in the early 1900s.

These initial celebrations were designed to welcome alumni back to their alma mater for a weekend of camaraderie and, of course, football. Back then, it was less about Instagram-worthy outfits and more about creating a sense of unity between past and present students. The homecoming football game was often the centerpiece - a spirited match that brought the entire community together.

Over time, homecoming expanded to include dances, pep rallies, and elaborate parades. By the mid-20th century, it had trickled down from universities to high schools, becoming a cherished annual event for communities across the nation.

The Parade: Floats, Marching Bands, and Candy Galore

The Princeton parade is like a Norman Rockwell painting coming to life, with its small-town charm streaming through the streets amid loud sounds, smiling faces, and all the attributes of parade life. No homecoming is complete without its parade. Think of it as the crown jewel of the celebration—a chance for students, alumni, and local businesses to showcase their creativity and school spirit. Floats are often painstakingly crafted by student organizations, with designs ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious (who else remembers that one year when the seniors made a float entirely out of cardboard pizza boxes?).

Marching bands are another essential component, filling the streets with music that gets toes tapping and spirits soaring. And let’s not forget the candy! For the kiddos (and adults alike), scrambling to catch thrown sweets is practically a competitive sport.

The parade brings everyone together, from grand marshals and elected officials to student bands, cheerleaders, and, of course, the football team. It’s a time for the community to show its pride in the hometown Vikings. The festivities kick off and conclude at Sharon Road, right in the heart of Viking Country. The final moments culminate with a spirited pep rally on Mancuso Field, a fitting end to a celebration steeped in tradition and bursting with Viking pride.

Why We Love Homecoming

At its heart, homecoming is more than just a football game or a parade; it’s a celebration of connection. It’s about alumni reconnecting with old friends, students forging memories that will last a lifetime, and communities coming together to show their school spirit and strengthen the ties that bind them.

It’s about the sense of belonging that radiates through the streets as floats roll by, bands play, and the crowd cheers for their team. It’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors, classmates, and friends, all united by the pride of being part of something bigger.

So as the Viking Ship sets sail once again, let’s savor every moment—whether it’s the joy of catching candy at the parade, the thrill of a last-minute touchdown, or the laughter that echoes during late-night dance preparations. Homecoming is a tradition that reminds us of where we’ve been, celebrates where we are, and inspires us for where we’re headed.

Here’s to Viking pride, timeless traditions, and the magic of homecoming. Let the celebrations begin!

Let’s go Princeton! #GoVikes.

Living Life with Intention

-Mary