It is generally expected to see various clubs putting the finishing touches on their floats for the Homecoming parade before the game. However, the Homecoming parade will no longer take place this year due to the lack of participation from clubs. Instead, a tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. on Sept. 14 in the school parking lot and will run up until game time.

“I was shocked when I found out there was not going to be a parade because that’s what we’ve had since I’ve been here,” junior Bre Black said.

About six years ago, tailgating before the Homecoming game was a regular thing. StuCo officers wanted a tailgate and a parade but there wasn’t enough time or people to pull them both off.

Over summer break, StuCo decided it was in the school’s best interest to bring the tail gate to replace the parade.

“I think [the students] will really like it,” StuCo President Austin Wiedner said. “It’s different and since students generally have their own tailgates before the game anyway, they’ll enjoy it because there is free food and music.”

According to Wiedner, one of the downsides of not having the parade is that the tailgate only gets the student body involved rather than the whole community.

“I’m hoping the tailgate will bring in the students and get them pumped for the homecoming game as well as the dance,” Wiedner said.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and water will be provided during the tailgate. There will also be a variety of games and prizes. Students will be able to bring their own coolers with other food and drinks if they want.

“I’m just hoping that a good number of people come out before the game and that they have fun,” StuCo sponsor Shelly Parks said.