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Bronco fans celebrate in the stands of Waldo Stadium during the 1982-83 Homecoming game.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University's fall spirit celebrations are gearing up to bring our Bronco pride home while at a distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fall alumni celebrations will highlight campus with a car parade through several spirit zones and virtual components, and a Virtual Bash will help students connect with campus organizations and departments.

"The parade is a nod to the classic WMU tradition of years gone by, when WMU students marched down the streets of Kalamazoo in advance of the homecoming football game," Renee Pearl, assistant vice president of engagement, says. "While much has changed over time, and this year especially, the new parade aims to capture the excitement of the fall season we're all hungry for while showing off our beautiful campus to alumni and the community."

Register by Wednesday, Oct. 7, to join the Campus Car Parade, a family-friendly cruise through campus, on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The event will kick off with a performance from the Bronco Marching Band before participants drive around Ring Road, on WMU’s main campus, past a panel of Bronco celebrity judges—including President Edward Montgomery, Kari Montgomery and distinguished alumni—and Road 16 spirit zones featuring RSOs, Bronco Marching Band Pep Bands, WMU departments and organizations.

Sponsored by WMU Alumni Association, all WMU alumni, friends, faculty and staff are invited to join. Vehicle check-in is Saturday at 10 a.m., the Marching Band will begin at 10:45 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m.

For the health and safety of parade participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, spectators are discouraged from putting chairs along the parade route. The best way to experience the parade is to register a vehicle and drive through it, although organizers hope to invite spectators in future years.

You can . Check back with the  for updates on events.

The campus community and especially students will have the opportunity on Thursday, Oct. 8, to explore a virtual outdoor plaza while clicking through numerous booths hosted by RSOs, WMU department and colleges, and businesses and nonprofit organizations from the Kalamazoo community. , and come back from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday to participate.

This is the first of two Virtual Bashes planned this year; the second is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Students can show their campus pride during Bronco Fall Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, through a series of virtual and socially distanced activities via ExperienceWMU. Featured will be a Zumba session hosted by the Student Recreation Center from 6 to 7 p.m. and a Virtual Talent Show hosted by Campus Activities Board from 7:30 to 9 p.m. In addition, eSports will be hosting a variety of  games throughout the night including socially distanced opportunities at the Student Recreation Center. Student radio station WIDR will be broadcasting throughout the night. Students can . 

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.

 Photo Gallery

Homecoming parade (c. 1966-67)

Homecoming parade (c. 1968-69)

Homecoming parade (c. 1978-79)

Homecoming parade (c. 1980-81)

 

 

 

Homecoming parade (c. 1984-85)