Starting at 1 p.m., the parade will travel through downtown DeKalb and will feature marching bands, horse-drawn carriages carrying Homecoming royalty and floats by fraternities, sororities and various student clubs. Local churches and service groups will also be marching in the parade. The event, a combination pep rally and spirit competition, is traditionally one of the highlights of Homecoming weekend, typically drawing crowds of up to 3,000. Afterward the festivities will move to the Larusso Lagoon on the West Campus for a bonfire, dancing and a cyber light show. The evening will include dancing in the Duke Ellington Ballroom.
Admission is free.
The day will also include a sculpture contest, bus tours of public sculptures on campus, an interpretive dance performance, performances by NIU musical ensembles and the Suzuki Strings. The event will also feature arts activities for children including face painting, mask making and instruction in interpretive dance and a chance to perform. This page is maintained by the NIU Office of Public Affairs Contact us.