Southeast homecoming places patriotism on display in parade

Patriotism, the theme of Saturday's homecoming parade for Southeast Missouri State University, showed up in red, white and blue mums on floats, some historical costumes and even Old Glory draped over a cross.

Seasonal temperatures put most parade-goers, clad in sweatshirts and jeans, on the sunny side of Broadway. The parade, which started at 9 a.m., wound its way from Capaha Park down Broadway and then south on Main Street.

Between the nine marching bands and about 100 floats were clubs and organizations offering simple entertainment. Southeast gymnists walked on their hands down the street. A navy-colored Cadillac, tailfins and all, cruised down Broadway. The back of one pickup truck was filled with employees from a local restaurant dressed in traditional, eye-catching Chinese costumes.

An enthusiastic, friendly exchange of words between Southeast's Homecoming Court and the judges was made as the court's cars passed the judging podium in front of the KFVS-TV building.

Seven "Class 1" competitive floats were created by fraternities and sororities. They represented branches of the military and featured a key American symbol, monument or building. The remaining floats were "Class 2" floats, composed of community and university entries on a flat-bed trailer or the back of a truck. There were also several noncompetitive floats.

One float showed off individuals clothed in colonial attire to emphasize this year's bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Marching with the Wesley Student Center, Elizabeth Powers of Sikeston was enjoying handing out hard candies to spectators.

"I like making kids happy," she said.

If the weather were bad, Powers admitted she'd probably feel differently.

Linda Woods, a Cape Girardeau resident, was impressed with the floats this year.

"We know that song from 'Top Gun,'" she said as a float with an impressive eagle and a smoking aircraft went by.

Jim and Morgan Beasely of Cape Girardeau, both Southeast graduates, came to the parade with two toddlers. One-year-old Brendan sat in his stroller with his eyes riveted on the passing sights while his 3-year-old sister, Lauren, watched for cheerleaders. Their mom, Morgan, found more youthful feelings at the parade too.

"When you're out of school for a while it brings you back to those carefree and fun days," she said.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133