Orange and blue. Die-hard fans and football. It’s that time of year again.

The 2009 Homecoming Game is just around the corner and what better way to get into the homecoming spirit then by attending the Homecoming Parade. This year’s parade will be held tonight, Friday, from 6-7 p.m.

The Homecoming Parade was put together by a committee of 35 Greeks. The Grand Marshal will be Staff Sgt. Katherine Maglia, who is a veteran of the Iraq War and a senior at Illinois, according to Megan Robertson, co-chair of the Homecoming Parade Committee.

The parade will feature more than 75 floats from student groups, community groups, businesses and Greek organizations, along with special guest appearances from Chancellor Richard Herman and Interim Provost Robert Easter.

Some of the groups that have entered floats are Illini N Motion, College Democrats and Illini Pride­— just to name a few. Some of the Greek organizations that will take part in the parade are the Alpha Phi, and Kappa Delta sororities and Theta Chi fraternity.

There will be a pep rally following the parade where cash prizes will be awarded to the best floats in the categories of decorated vehicles, walking floats, floats and overall winner.

The parade will start at Sixth Street and end at Nevada Street and Mathews Avenue. Grab a seat and enjoy the show!