CMU pride takes to the street; Homecoming parade encourages student, community enthusiasm

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Students and community members went “Around the World” during CMU’s homecoming parade in downtown Mount Pleasant.

“I look forward to it every year, especially since generations of my family have been coming out to support the local CMU enthusiasm,” said Mount Pleasant resident Tim Odykirk.

This is a great community and university event, he said.

Many families have been coming for decades to watch their children or CMU students join the parade, said Mount Pleasant resident Shari Evans.

“This year I’m out to see my daughter who is a part of the Mount Pleasant Soccer Club and I’m excited to see what the parade will bring,” she said.

Floats from various halls, sororities, fraternities and other organizations cruised down Main and Broadway Street.

“Seeing the Orchesis dance studio is always something too look forward to they’re pretty good dancers,” said Sterling Heights freshman David Pomaville. “I’m also excited to see my hall (Emmons Hall) float and what they created.”

Jim Cappel said it was exciting to just stand on the street and watch it.

“The kids like to come out catch candy and participate. I know my kids do!” the Mount Plesant resident said.

Highland resident Debbie Bonkowski was visiting Mount Pleasant and was pleasantly surprised when she learned about the parade.

“I love attending parades and this is my first CMU homecoming parade,” Bonkowski said. “I was actually out to visit my daughter and didn’t even know the homecoming parade was in town.”

She was one of many first-time homecoming parade viewers who were happy to see what CMU has to offer.

Pomaville enjoyed seeing all of the participation because it shows how many people are involved with the university and it’s school spirit.

“It’s so nice to come out and be able to see so much school spirit and it’s even better knowing all of these people will be at the game after the parade,” he said.