UCLA Homecoming emphasizes tradition

UCLA Homecoming emphasizes tradition

Procession of floats through Westwood culminates at rally

By Narma Ahmady

The UCLA community will join band members, celebrities and
revelers Friday evening in Westwood Village to celebrate the 62nd
annual UCLA Homecoming Parade.

The parade ­ sponsored by the UCLA Student Alumni
Association (SAA) ­ will feature 30 decorated floats sponsored
by a variety of student and alumni organizations. Celebrities like
Debbie Allen, Thyme Lewis and Alfonso Ribeiro are scheduled to ride
in the parade, along with the Laker Girls and Rams
Cheerleaders.

"Being the 75th year, a lot of groups and dignitaries really got
excited about Homecoming," said Tracy Davis, executive director of
Homecoming. "We have more dignitaries than we’ve ever had. We have
more floats than we’ve ever had. I just want people to have a great
time and understand all the greatness they’re a part of at
UCLA."

The UCLA Marching Band and the UCLA Alumni Band will accompany
the float procession from its 7 p.m. kick-off point at the corner
of Gayley Avenue and Weyburn Drive. The parade will continue down
Westwood Boulevard to conclude on UCLA’s campus.

After the parade, a spirit rally and an awards presentation will
take place in the Lot 6 turnaround next to the James West Alumni
Center. At the same time, an open house for alumni will be held
inside the West Center.

The parade marks the beginning of UCLA’s Homecoming weekend,
highlighted by Saturday’s football game between UCLA and Stanford
University. UCLA’s Homecoming tradition started in 1927, when the
first Homecoming football game was played.

This year’s spectacle is dedicated to the theme, "Bruins Through
the Years," celebrating UCLA’s 75th anniversary year, launched by
President Bill Clinton in May.

"I feel that this year ‘Bruins Through the Years’ commemorates
UCLA’s 75th anniversary and achieves the historical ranges of Bruin
life," said SAA director Sameer Bakhda. "It is UCLA’s oldest
tradition."