Huntsville High School Anticipates a Spirited Homecoming Parade Amid Weather Concerns
Update: As of 4:19 PM CST, 10/5/2023, according to the Huntsville High School Facebok Page, the Homecoming Parade is still a go. Parade route included at the end of this article.
HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville High School’s (HHS) anticipated Homecoming Parade, scheduled for Thursday, October 5th, is creating a buzz throughout the community, though organizers have their eyes fixed on the weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Scheduled to begin at 6:15 PM, with floats and organizations from Huntsville ISD, participants and spectators alike are hopeful for clear skies.
According to Kelsey Allensworth, a senior sponsor and the AP Macroeconomics teacher at HHS, the parade has a prescribed route to allow the community to safely join in the festivities. The procession is set to “start by lining up on 19th St., snaking around Pritchett Field, traveling down Sam Houston, and turning left on 11th St.,” said Allensworth during a recent interview. The culmination point is expected to be near the HEB area.
In terms of participation, Allensworth affirmed, “We don’t allow businesses [floats] because we don’t want it to turn into a promotion thing. And we don’t do political floats either.” Thus, the parade focuses on the school and its associated organizations, creating a community-centric event that emphasizes the spirit and achievements of students over commercial or political messages.
Speaking on the importance of such community events, Allensworth highlighted the intrinsic value these gatherings bring to the students, stating, “They get to see that the community is rallying behind them. They get to feel like they’re part of a larger community than just their team or than just their school.” She continued to explain that this connection with the community at large underscores a valuable lesson about camaraderie, community, and fellowship.
Notably, the community and the students are keen to revel in the excitement of utilizing the new Huntsville ISD Stadium, which recently celebrated its grand opening. “Everything converging right now, the parade, the new stadium, it’s just a great time to be a Hornet. It’s a great time for the community,” shared Allensworth, showcasing her enthusiasm and gratitude towards the community for the new facilities.
In light of potential weather challenges, a tentative deadline has been set for 5:30 PM on the day of the parade to confirm whether the event will proceed as planned. “We’re eyeing the weather because if it’s lightning, then obviously we can’t have the parade. Or if it’s like torrential downpours, we won’t have the parade,” explained Allensworth.
Beyond the parade, Allensworth and fellow senior sponsor, English teacher Jennifer Mims, have planned various senior activities throughout the year, such as prom, senior week in the last full week of October, and springtime senior week, which features daily field trips for the students. These initiatives not only enhance the students’ final-year experience but also aim to foster unity and celebration within the school community.
The parade, which made a comeback last year following a hiatus linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a testament to the Huntsville community’s resilience and spirit. Even as potential hurdles loom, the anticipation and communal unity pervading the upcoming Homecoming Parade undeniably signal a triumphant, if cautious, stride toward normalcy and collective celebration.
Residents and Huntsville High alumni, like Allensworth herself, a 2009 graduate, eagerly await the moment when the community can come together once again to celebrate not just the students, but the collective spirit that binds them together, even amidst challenges and uncertainties.
For real-time updates and further details on the Huntsville High School Homecoming Parade, participants and spectators are encouraged to check local announcements and the school’s official communication channels.
The Huntsville Hornets varsity football team is set to open the new Huntsville ISD Stadium by hosting James Earl Rudder High School on Friday, October 6, 2023. For ticket and schedule information, visit https://www.hornetnation.org.
Parade Route
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