Huff Street was filled with excitement for the annual Winona State University Homecoming Parade. The parade took place on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. Clubs and organizations that participated lined up at 9 a.m. on Broadway by Windom Park and marched down to Mark Street. There certainly was no shortage of candy and 70s themed participants.

Haley Wilson, Winona State Homecoming Parade Chair, has been organizing the parade since May of 2022.

“There is so much work that goes into the parade, but everything is going to fall into place,” Wilson said.

This year there were over 60 total units in the parade, and it turned out to be one of the largest parades Winona State has ever had.

The parade is compiled of clubs on campus and other organizations from the community. Clubs that decided to participate in the parade were given the option to be judged. The judges this year were Peter Kenobic, Juanita Z. and Katie Dolls. For the judged units, there was a first-place prize of $150, second place was $100, and third place was $75. The prizes were awarded to the winners who incorporate the theme and demonstrate school spirit into their parade entry. Crowd engagement is also included in the judging.

The parade did have some regulations. All entries must have their group name clearly visible and there is no throwing candy or items from the parade exhibit at the crowd. There was also a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol. As the Winona State Homecoming parade is for celebrating school spirit and Warrior pride, the university reserved the right to refuse parade entries who aimed to promote any sort of political issues.

“I am most excited to see what The Winonan and the Warrior Entertainment Network do for the parade,” Wilson said.

Sigma Tau Gamma put together a float for the parade. Frat President, Mitch Prosser, ended up spending over eight hours on their float. Sigma Tau Gamma’s float was compiled of balloons, disco balls, fun 70s themed outfits and signs representing the frat. The Frat was number number 58 in the parade line up.

“We are super stoked! It will be a great time to get our name out there to the Winona community in a good light,” Prosser said. The majority of the frat members joined in on the parade fun, along with the other sororities on campus.

On the day of the parade there were hundreds of spectators lined up along Huff Street and kids with bags to collect candy. The street was filled with Warrior pride and school spirit.