This year’s Troy University Appreciation Day Homecoming Parade will follow a new route at the Troy University campus instead of the Square.

Chamber President Dana Sanders said hosting the parade on campus has been discussed for years, and the Chamber and university are both excited about the change.

“We felt like this would bring a breath of fresh air to the parade,” Sanders said. “We feel like this route is extremely safe. Troy University has a beautiful campus and we feel confident that this is going to be a great location for the parade. We’re proud to continue the great tradition of the homecoming parade.”

The parade has traditionally been hosted by the Chamber and brings the community and together to show its appreciation for Troy University. Parade Chairman Dan Smith said the change of location does not mean that the community will or should be any less involved.

“The day of homecoming and the homecoming parade is something that ties in so well with the game day experience,” Smith said. “To have it on the campus at Troy University and tying all of that in with the homecoming experience is something we all felt is very new and very exciting to complement and enhance what is already a big day for our community and university.

“It has always been a combination of university and community, and we hope that this will continue to grow in that aspect. We are hoping that a number of people from our community will take advantage of the game day experience and transition from the parade to the tailgating to the game. The entire intent and purpose is to show appreciation community has for university. We’re very blessed and thankful that our university and community work so well together.”

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, starting at the intersection of University Avenue and George Wallace Drive and marching down to the roundabout at the Troy Dining Hall. Lineup begins at 8 a.m. and all vehicle entries must be in place by 8:30 a.m. Walking units must be in place by 9:30 a.m.

In addition to public parking on the Troy campus, two shuttles will be picking up guests from the CGI and Charles Henderson High School parking lots beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Parade entry forms are available at pikecoc.com and must be submitted to the Chamber office no later than October 25. Entry is $10 and is open to community and university groups, organizations and anyone who wants to support the Trojans.

All entries must have parade theme or Troy University signage on unit. Floats must be no higher than 12 feet, no longer than 18 feet, and no wider than 9 feet. No horses are allowed, no items may be thrown or handed out from floats, no profanity or vulgar music may be played, no racing or high-speed performances are allowed and no riding on the bumpers or tops of vehicles.