By: Mat Cloak
The Parsons Advocate
As the sun set over the western hills in Parsons, the 2017 Homecoming Parade began rolling down First Street. The parade adequately displayed school and town spirit with a mix of different floats and trucks representing a variety of groups and organizations.
Volunteer fire departments from Parsons, Davis and Thomas began and ended the parade with a display of force through their numbers and their lights. Next, cheerleaders tumbled down the road in front of truckloads of football players. Leaving the hands of those riding, candy flew from floats onto the street where children were ready to scoop up the assortment into their bags. The children enjoyed this Halloween warm up. One parent commented, “She won’t sleep all night!”
The Shiners came next wearing their classic fez hats and driving their speedy carts. Tucker County High School was well represented in the parade. Each class had a uniquely themed float, including a jungle float and a “We Will Rock You” float.
Onlookers lined the streets to take in all the hard work put into the floats and parade. Jean Long took pictures of her granddaughter, last year’s homecoming queen, as she floated by. “I just came down to see everybody going through the parade,” Long said.
Amy and Sam Goughnour enjoyed the parade from their lawn chairs. Amy had an important role in this year’s parade: a judge. The floats and spirit trucks were judged on creativity, workmanship, theme, appearance, school spirit, and enthusiasm. Taking her job earnestly, Amy said, “I can’t tell you what the scores are, it’s top secret!” Both are retired Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School teachers.
After the parade ended, parade participants and onlookers headed to a bonfire on Education Lane.
Earlier in the week, the high school was light with excitement. Homecoming representatives were selected, a pep rally was held to garner spirit, and each day students dressed up in a different theme as part of spirit week. At the Board of Education meeting, the student body president commented on the busy atmosphere at the high school.
The high school faced off against Pendleton County Friday night.
The homecoming dance followed on Saturday at the high school. From front to back, the week was filled with school spirit and community events.
