MSU Homecoming parade steps off Friday

Michigan State University’s 105th Homecoming parade will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, bringing students, employees, alumni and community members together in East Lansing.

The parade will feature the Spartan Marching Band, local high school bands, MSU groups, community organizations, university leaders and Sparty. More than 100 entries and thousands of spectators participate in the annual Homecoming tradition, with awards presented after the parade to selected participating groups.

Homecoming Grand Marshal Susan Packard, a two-time MSU graduate and media industry leader, will head the parade. Packard helped launch HBO and CNBC and co-founded Scripps Networks Interactive, which developed networks including HGTV and Food Network. She is also an author and advocate for students in recovery. Packard was first selected as grand marshal in 2019, but severe weather canceled that year’s parade.

The 1.5-mile route begins on Abbot Road near the Hannah Community Center, travels through downtown East Lansing and the MSU campus, and ends at the Farm Lane bridge before Shaw Lane. The parade takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Streets on campus and in East Lansing will close before and during the parade. Spectators should review the parade route and street closure information before traveling and allow extra time for parking.

A new safety rule prohibits parade entries from throwing candy, toys or promotional items. People walking alongside an entry may hand items directly to spectators after crossing the official starting line.

The parade will proceed in rainy weather but will be canceled if thunder and lightning create unsafe conditions. WLNS will provide a livestream for those unable to attend. Additional viewing, parking and safety information is available on the Homecoming Parade website.