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It’s that time of year, Bobcats! All Athens community members, student groups, and friends of OHIO are invited to apply to participate in the Ohio University Homecoming Parade on the morning of Oct. 9. The deadline to enter the parade is Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, by 5 p.m. and all entries must be submitted through the online form .
“The parade is just good fun,” said Josh Gruenke, associate director of student activities. “It is great to see the local community and OHIO organizations come together in the spirit of the season.”
Homecoming week is Oct. 4-9 and among the line-up of events are the usual suspects – including the parade in Uptown Athens. Participants will line-up at WU-SOC, near the Union Street roundabout, between 8-9:30 a.m. and the parade will officially kickoff at 10 a.m.
The parade route
is similar to that of Homecoming 2019, but the last leg has been extended to address public health concerns around social distancing.
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“COVID has complicated many things, but we are committed to hosting this time-honored tradition,” Gruenke said. “Extending the route should allow for more space between floats and more room for spectators to enjoy the parade safely.”
This year’s jaunt up Union Street is expected to follow the theme, “Make Respect Visible,” a campaign launched this summer by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion to center the university community’s focus on a core Bobcat value. More information about the initiative can be found at ohio.edu/respect .
To read more about Homecoming 2021 and review the parade participation guidelines , visit ohio.edu/homecoming .
Questions should be directed to homecoming@ohio.edu .