SCASD Set to Host Homecoming Parade, With a Few Changes From Previous Years

State College Area School District’s annual homecoming parade returns on Thursday with a few changes that district officials said were spurred on by safety concerns.

The parade, with a student-selected theme of “Write Your Script in 25-26” will kick off at 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of O’Bryan Lane and Westerly Parkway next to the high school. As it has since 2023, it will travel through the Holmes-Foster and Greentree neighborhoods before concluding back at the high school. The route is:

• From the high school, west on Westerly Parkway
• Right on South Sparks Street
• Left on West Fairmount Street
• Left on Westerly Parkway
• Right on Saxton Drive 
• Left on South Sparks Street 
• Right on Westerly Parkway to return to the high school

A pep rally will be held at the State High South Track complex following the conclusion of the parade, which is expected to wrap up around 7 p.m.

New this year, participation in the parade is limited to only school-sponsored and approved groups, such as SCASD athletic teams, intramural organizations, clubs, activities, and PTOs. No outside organizations are permitted to march or ride in the parade.

Additionally, 18-wheeler flatbeds are no longer permitted. Only fixed flatbed trucks under 40 feet will be allowed for float entries.

District administrators wrote in an August email to families that the changes were prompted by the overall length of the parade and safety concerns.

Superintendent Curtis Johnson added at the school board’s Sept. 8 meeting that the changes jibe with safety recommendations from law enforcement.

“Since the route was changed a few years ago, we have experienced safety issues because of the large number of participants overwhelming the parade route,” Johnson said. “We understand that this is a big change and some community organizations are no longer able to be in the parade. However to ensure safety of the participants and spectators alike this shift was necessary.”