Coal City kids get early dismissal for homecoming parade

By: 
STAFF REPORT

Coal City High School’s inaugural homecoming parade drew a crowd last fall, and school officials are hoping for the same this year.

To foster school and community spirit and participation, the Unit 1 School District will dismiss students early on Friday, Sept. 30. The superintendent said it provides an opportunity for all students and families to take part in the parade. The district will operate on a first/last day schedule.

The second annual homecoming parade will step off from the intersection of South Broadway and Elm Street at 2:30 p.m. and make its way north to Carbon Street concluding at the Berst Center on Kankakee Street.

The parade route is changed from last year to avoid blocking the intersection of Broadway and Division Street. The blockage created a traffic backup that extended through the village of Diamond and close to Interstate 55, “that’s just not acceptable and we don’t want to do that,” Superintendent Chris Spencer said.

Participation in the parade is open to high school clubs, organizations and athletic teams. The Marching Coaler Band will be a part of the event, as will members of the homecoming court.

To expand participation, the high school student council invites community businesses to participate. Churches are also welcome,
however political parties and candidates for election will not be granted entry. The cost for a church or business to join is $100. A link to the registration form can be found under News & Announcements on the school district website, coalcityschools.org.

All entries must follow the homecoming theme—Glitz and Glamour. A list of parade rules is included on the website.

“We are looking forward to having a great event,” Spencer said.

Coal City’s homecoming week gets underway Monday, Sept. 26 and concludes with a dance at the high school on Saturday, Oct. 1.