Macon-Mercer University students are busy preparing for the annual homecoming parade planned for Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m.

 

Mercer students and administrators have developed a new route for the parade, returning it to downtown Macon for the community to enjoy.

The parade will begin at Bond Street in front of the Walter F. George School of Law. It will continue to Georgia Avenue, then to College Street and wrap around the outskirts of the University's main campus ending at Porter Track, off Stadium Drive.

The internationally-themed parade will feature  more than 20 floats designed by Mercer students, Mercer athletes, two marching bands, fire trucks and the Neubian Knights Saddle Club.  Priscilla Danheiser, associate provost and interim vice president for student life at Mercer, will serve as the grand marshal.

Prime spots to catch a good view of the parade include Tattnall Square Park and the sidewalks along College Street between Forsyth Street and Coleman Avenue.

Shortly after the homecoming parade, the Mercer community will join Sen. Robert Brown in dedicating the bridge that crosses I-75 at Mercer University Drive as the Thelma "T-Lady" Ross Bridge in honor of the late Ross's 52 years of loyal service to Mercer and its students. The dedication will take place Saturday, Jan. 31, at 11:45 a.m.

Other campus events planned for homecoming week include a Survivor Intramural Competition on Sunday, Jan. 20; the first basketball game in the new University Center on Tuesday, Jan. 27; cultural food tasting and a concert and dance party featuring "Two Skinny Dorks" on Wednesday, Jan 28; a skit competition on Friday, Jan. 30; and a 5K run/walk on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Also, the men's basketball team will play two televised games in the new University Center Friday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 1, at 3 p.m. The Mercer women's basketball team will play their homecoming game in the new University Center on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 3 p.m.