By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

There’s really never a bad reason to have a parade, but when that parade features some of the best high school bands in the area, well, then you have something to really pay attention to.

Concordia College will kick off its annual homecoming festivities with a homecoming parade Saturday at 2 p.m. before the Hornets’ football team plays the Texas College Steers at Memorial Stadium. Game time is set for 5 p.m.

Along with the Concordia College band, Ms. Concordia, ROTC and a number of floats, the Hornets will also be joined by a number of local groups to celebrate the homecoming festivities.

“The Selma, Southside and Calhoun high school bands will be in the parade,” said Christine Weerts, director of communications and donor relations at Concordia, said. “The Selma Fire Department, the cheerleaders from CHAT Academy will also participate.”

Weerts said Concordia student organizations would also decorate floats and cars, and a truck club, motorcycle club and a horse club would also participate.

The Diamonette DanceLine from Mobile will also participate in the parade.

Weerts said the parade would begin at 2 p.m. at Dallas Avenue and Washington Street and proceed along Dallas to Memorial Stadium.

All are welcome to join the festivities.

Weerts said it’s great to see the community come out and support Concordia.

“It’s very exciting because it’s a lot bigger turnout than last year and it’s great to get the support,” Weerts said.

Stanford Angion, vice president of student services at Concordia, said the homecoming parade is the culmination of a weeklong celebration

“We have a campus-wide committee that plans and organizes homecoming week activities and the week consist of various activities for the students and alumni,” Angion said. “We usually end with the parade, the recognition of our homecoming queen and our homecoming game.”

Angion said it’s great to see community support and homecoming is something that Concordia always looks forward to.

“It’s wonderful,” Angion said. “We at Concordia look forward to welcoming back friends and alumni from all over the United States to come back and to share the fun and festivities.”