Homecoming is far more than just a football game. As a matter of fact, the University of Mississippi did not celebrate homecoming week with a football game until 1924, when the Rebels played Mississippi College. The Rebels emerged victorious with a score of 10-6.
Originally, homecoming week celebrated the return of alumni to the University, welcoming post-graduates to reappear at their alma mater and celebrate the traditions that bind together all who call themselves “Ole Miss Rebels.”
One of the most notable Ole Miss homecoming traditions is the parade, said to have first been held in 1930, when students organized a pep rally and bonfire on campus. Freshmen dressed in pajamas and joined the marching band in a procession that wound from campus all the way to downtown Oxford. Since, the parade tradition has continued at the end of homecoming week, the evening before the homecoming football game. As always, it begins on campus and ends at the Square.
“I believe they chose this route because it starts in the center of our campus at the Lyceum, in the circle, and it heads down University Avenue,” said Chase Moore, associate director of the Student Activities Association. “You get to pass through the University and through the heart of the city.”
The floats are an Ole Miss homecoming tradition all their own. All members of the Oxford community are invited to participate in the parade and may apply for a float in the procession. Typically, Greek organizations are the most prominent presence among parade floats.
Junior Associated Student Body and Chi Omega member Brittany Murphree said parade organizers group fraternities and sororities on campus who then work together to create a float. She said she appreciates the opportunity for different fraternity and sorority members to meet new people and make friends.
Taylor Morton, senior integrated marketing and communications major and Delta Gamma member, said the whole float-building process has been a truly enjoyable experience.
“I love meeting all the new people and getting to know everyone,” Morton said. “It’s also really exciting actually executing it. I feel like the float is my child, and it’s so great to see it through from an idea to an 18-foot float.”
The floats are judged by a panel composed of University, Oxford and Lafayette county community members. Floats are awarded cash prizes for best theme and best overall. Besides the competition, creating a float for the parade is just another way to get into the homecoming spirit, show Rebel pride and honor tradition.
Some homecoming customs, however, have changed over the years. In 2013, the ASB Judicial Council ruled to change the name of the elected male personality from Colonel Reb to Mr. Ole Miss.
And, unfortunately, no students in pajamas will be marching along with the Pride of the South; a city ordinance prohibits anyone from actively participating in the parade without a pre-approved permit. Those riding floats are also not allowed to throw candy to the crowd, as had been done in the past. In spite of these regulations, paraders are not letting anything dampen their homecoming spirit.
“Smile and wave,” Murphree joked. “(We will) spread spirit with our smiles, it’ll be fun.”
After the parade, attendants can stick around Oxford’s Square to get into the homecoming spirit with a pep rally, and later, the Square Jam, featuring the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The parade will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. tonight in front of the Lyceum.
