The Ball State Homecoming Parade

The Ball State University Homecoming Parade was an event full of pride for everybody who was a part of making it so great. Participants of all backgrounds and expertise worked tirelessly on various routines to shock the crowd and display their Ball State spirit. The parade consisted of a variety of Ball State organizations, community businesses, and local groups, entering the parade with floats, cars, and bands.

Hi! I’m Izzy Orpurt, I’m a junior at the Indiana Academy and I play trombone in the Burris band. Not many people may know how important this day was for the Burris band, as it was the first time we were able to march in the Ball State Homecoming Parade. In fact, it was the first time we had performed as a marching band in a very long time. To prepare for this parade, we spent many early school mornings marching around campus in the cold. Despite being exhausted and freezing, we pushed through and ultimately reached the remarkable outcome that we knew was within reach. On the day of the parade, the Burris band gathered their instruments and formed a circle to warm up, preparing for the upcoming performance. As the parade began I saw people of all ages lined up to witness the event- not just children were enjoying themselves and catching candy. As we began to play, our nerves left us as we saw the smiles on everyone's faces. I passed a little girl who said “That’s what I want to play,” pointing to my trombone. It made me realize that I wasn’t just marching because I had to, but that I was marching to bring joy and inspiration to all of the little kids cheering us on. Even though I haven’t lived in Muncie long, I felt a connection between everyone involved with the parade. I’m very glad I get to be part of such an amazing community. This wasn’t just a one time thing for the Burris Band, it was the beginning of a tradition that we hope to carry on for years to come. As Mr. Jackson, the band director, said, “We made history and we will continue to do this every year.”

Hello, I’m Sage Layton and I attend the Indiana Academy as a junior. I went to the parade as a spectator and it was one of the best parades I’ve been to. There were visually interesting floats, cohesive themes throughout each of the performances, an energetic and lively crowd- despite the fact that it was 9 in the morning- and a mutual understanding that we were all consumed by the Ball State pride. I really enjoyed how everybody who was participating put their own creative spin on how they chose to show their Ball State pride. Whether it was a dance team performing a routine while keeping with the flow of the parade, or a little league team throwing candy out at the crowd, everyone contributed a unique perspective and reason for being in the parade. As Izzy mentioned, this was Burris’ first time ever being in the Ball State homecoming parade so their reason was to show children and adults alike that they worked hard to earn their spot alongside the Ball State marching band. Everybody who participated in the parade did such a spectacular job and I truly can not wait for what next year’s parade has in store.