While Troy University students and alumni are gearing up for campus Homecoming activities and the big game on Saturday, the City of Troy and Pike County Chamber of Commerce are excited to share in the experience.

“I love the idea that Trojan fans and people in the community can start off our Homecoming Day downtown with the parade at 9 a.m. and then end the experience back downtown after the game,” said Leigh Anne Windham with the Chamber.

About 100 parade entries will move from U.S. Highway 231 along Three Notch Street to the city square, around the square and down Elm Street toward Sorority Hill.

The Homecoming theme this year is “Troy Saves the Day: A Hero’s Homecoming.” Windham said she believes the theme lends itself to a variety of parade entries.

“We are excited and interested to see what the student organizations do with their floats because I think the theme is really neat and it will be fun,” Windham said. “They have a lot of room to be very creative with this.”

Following the football game that begins at noon, the community and guests are invited back downtown for a free concert on the square from 5 to 10 p.m.

“First Generation is a wonderful band,” said Shelia Jackson, director of Troy’s Tourism and Public Relations Department. “They do a little of everything – Top 40 covers and Adele to Motown. So, when I say everything, I mean everything. If you say you want to hear something, they can play it.”

Jackson said the evening concert offers an opportunity for people to bring food to the square, or visit any of the downtown restaurants to grab dinner.

“It will be great fun. The concert is open to everyone,” Jackson said. “Hopefully some out of towners will join us to help celebrate the history of our town and university.”

Shuttles will run from local hotels to downtown to Veterans Memorial Stadium throughout the day to make activities more accessible to those visiting Troy and those who want to park in one location but enjoy events in different areas.

“The university and the City of troy is so close, both in proximity and relationship,” Windham said. “Homecoming is a nice time to bring everyone over to experience downtown and our relationship with the university.”