Since 1935, the Homecoming Parade has been a staple of NMU’s student life and its commitment to the greater Marquette community. Every year, thousands of spectators—students, alumni, locals and tourists—line the sand-colored sidewalks along East Fair Avenue and Third Street, as hundreds more walk the roads.
On Friday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m., the university’s longstanding tradition continued with no shortage of spectacle. NCAA wrestlers in Luchador masks performed choke slams on trailers, while six-and-a-half-foot-tall basketball players dunked on 10-foot hoops and two-stroke snowmobiles revved exhaust into the early autumn air.
Despite their dominant presence, NMU athletics were not the only source of entertainment at the event. Among the athletes were residence halls and clubs participating in the Golf Cart Decorating Competition, organized by the university’s Special Events Committee (SEC).
This year, the competition’s theme was “Tales From the Wild: Where Myths Meet Marquette”. Residence hall students and advisors took to the idea with enthusiasm, gathering behind the Dome on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 9 p.m. to decorate their cardboard and plastic chariots. The floats were then judged the following day during the parade, with trophies awarded to the top five floats. Additional prizes were awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners.
Meyland resident advisor Michael Tuomi was among the many participating in the contest. After some deliberation, his floor decided to create an “Area 51” float, complete with residents as aliens and Michael, along with other RAs, as characters from the extraterrestrial movie “Men in Black”.
Currently in his third year at NMU and third semester as an RA, Tuomi has had ample experience with Homecoming activities and understands their importance.
“The biggest thing is the community itself,” Tuomi said. “Bringing people together to be creative and express their own ideas in something as simple as building a float or painting a banner.”
As a transfer student, Michael’s transition to Marquette was made easier by the connections created and strengthened through the friendly competition of the contest his first year at NMU. Now, two years later, Michael helps students do the same, creating an environment in which residents feel safe to be themselves and share their ideas and creativity with both the community and their fellow Wildcats.
“My first year, when I was in Birch Hall, we placed third,” Tuomi said. “This year, we’re shooting for gold.”
Almost a century after its inception, the parade continues to be a hallmark of NMU’s Homecoming week, drawing people from around the Upper Peninsula and beyond to celebrate the unique and innovative students that make up the university.
If you were unable to attend the parade, the Special Events Committee is hosting a plaid-themed event on Friday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Wildcat Willy Statue, where students will be encouraged to throw axes, eat pancakes and take photos.
