UM parade outgrows Missoula

UM’s Homecoming parade — the largest in Montana — has gotten too big. Last year, with about 145 entries, the parade backed up traffic across the Madison Street Bridge near campus all the way onto Interstate 90.

So this year Bill Johnston, Alumni Association director, and Sharon Palmer, Homecoming parade coordinator, decided the big event will be run differently.

Ken Thompson, UMAA on-campus events coordinator, said it will still run down Higgins Avenue in the heart of Missoula. But then only entries with direct UM ties will turn down University Avenue. The rest will be diverted into the nearby Slant Street Neighborhood.

Thompson said this should prevent any further traffic snafus.

“We also don’t expect quite as many entries because it’s not an election year,” he said. “It will be the same parade, but we’re going to split it so it disperses more quickly.”

Thompson will take entries through Sept. 23, so if you would like to participate, call (406) 243-4236.

Homecoming 2005 events will run from Sunday, Sept. 25, to Saturday, Oct. 1. This year’s theme is “Treasure the Past, Embrace the Future.” Following is a schedule:

Sunday, Sept. 25—1-3 p.m., Homecoming Kickoff Celebration, Southgate Mall Clock Court.

Thursday, Sept. 29—10 a.m., Homecoming Art Fair, University Center Atrium (continues through Friday); 5 p.m., Homecoming Buffet, Lommasson Center Food Zoo, public welcome, $8.50; 5 p.m., International Alumni Reunion Dinner, Lommasson Center Food Zoo.

Friday, Sept. 30—11:30 a.m., Class of 1965 Luncheon, UC 330-332; noon, Alpha Phi Reunion, lunch at Jakers; 1:30 p.m., Class of 1965 Class Photo, on the Oval near Grizzly statue; 2 p.m., UM Campaign Announcement for Campus and Community, UC Theater; 4 p.m., department open houses – Adams Center Hall of Champions, Education Building Room 110, Gallagher Business Building Gianchetta Piazza, Skaggs Building Room 340, Law Building Pope Room, Lommasson Center Room 219 and Journalism Building library; 6 p.m., Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, UC Ballroom; 8 p.m., Singing on the Steps, Pep Rally and Lighting of the M, meet at Main Hall; 9 p.m., Alumni Social and Dance, Holiday Inn Parkside.

Saturday, Oct. 1—7:45 a.m., Tri Delt Breakfast and Annual Meeting, University Congregational Church; 10 a.m., Homecoming Parade, Higgins to University; 11 a.m., Wesley House Tailgate, Washington-Grizzly Stadium; 11 a.m., Recent Grads Tailgate Party, look for the UMAA hot air balloon; noon, International Alumni Reunion Tailgate, the International House; 1 p.m., UM Grizzlies vs. Weber State, Washington-Grizzly Stadium; 6 p.m., Pharmacy Class of ’65 dinner, Missoula Country Club; 6 p.m., International Alumni Reunion Gala Dinner, UC Ballroom.