Students, faculty, alumni and community members came together to celebrate the 101st homecoming celebration of the University. The homecoming parade was held Friday, starting at 6 p.m.

“(Homecoming) is a really great time for students and alumni to come together to remember — and to have school spirit — why we chose U of I,” said Cedrinna Humphries, this year’s Miss U of I.

The parade began with administration officials at the head of the parade line, followed by the homecoming committee, homecoming court and student organizations, as well as the local fire departments and businesses.

“(Homecoming) is the essence of being together and remembering what being an Illini means,” said homecoming court member Matt Abtahi, senior in LAS. “It’s about taking the time to value what a great institution we are and to never forget that we are students now, Illini forever.”

The community was shown the school spirit of the students and organizations when floats drove around campus, and the parade participants threw candy, T-shirts and necklaces. Children, as well as students, ran for the free goodies.

“Being together and seeing the excitement is great,” said Amanda Mast, Champaign resident.

The parade started at the corner of Sixth Street and Lorado Taft Drive and continued around the Quad.

The most entertaining part for freshman in DGS Genesis Galva, who watched the parade from start to end, was the band.

“I love how in sync they were,” Galva said. “Every so often they would stop and do some fun movements or make some cool unison motion at the same time as playing their instruments.”

The parade ended by Foellinger Auditorium where a pep rally was being held. The rally consisted of the introduction of this year’s comeback guests: Ryan Baker, Paul Schrage and Roy Strom. There was also a performance by the Xtension Cords, a male acappella RSO, and the appearance of the football team.

“What will be even better, is when we win the game against Northwestern tomorrow,” Galva said.