Gravette parade shows school spirit
GRAVETTE — The annual football homecoming parade is traditionally a highlight of the first few weeks of school and a fun way to show school spirit and welcome the cooler weather of fall. This year’s parade was no exception. Lots of Lion supporters lined the streets to watch as a colorful lineup of floats, featuring school clubs, organizations and sports teams, wound along the parade route.
Chief of police Chuck Skaggs led off the parade, followed by bright red fire trucks from both the Gravette and Decatur fire departments. Gravette royalty rode in the parade, including Tiffany Wheeler, 2018 Miss Teen Gravette, and Darlene McVay, 2018 Miss Gravette. Several vehicles carried the homecoming queen candidates, senior, junior, sophomore and freshmen maids and their escorts, the homecoming crown bearer and flower girls. Two floats featured members of the classes of 2022 and 2026.
Members of the Gravette High School marching band, dressed in their striking black and orange uniforms, stepped out and treated the crowd to some snappy tunes along the way. Several young football teams and cheer squads also joined the parade.
Judging must have been tough for the winners in the float contest as there were a number of eye-catching displays to choose from. The senior class won in the class division with their Lion King themed float and the juniors took second place with their Toy Story theme and the slogan “To victory and beyond.” The volleyball team won first place among clubs and organizations with a Lilo and Stitch theme featuring palm trees, surfboards and riders wearing grass skirts. The Gravette FFA took second place with its Homecoming on the Range theme, farmers and ranchers, spotted cows, even a rooster. The 20182019 office aides earned an honorable mention.
Riders on many of the floats tossed out pieces of candy as they rode along and several young spectators kept busy scrambling to fill their pockets and bags with sweet treats.