Because of COVID-19 precautions, many schools and communities will not be hosting a homecoming parade this year.
Since residents can’t go to a parade, local officials are hoping to be creative and take the parade to participants.
Marysville High School and Early College High School will host a reverse parade for this year’s homecoming celebration.
District officials said they want to create, “a unique experience for this senior class.”
The reverse parade will be held from 6-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, in the Marysville Uptown.
The event is planned for senior students involved in fall sports, clubs and organizations, as well as the homecoming courts from MHS and ECHS.
Groups will stretch on Main Street from Fourth to Sixth streets and on Fifth Street from Court Street to Plum Street
Football seniors will gather outside 108 S. Main St., near the southeast corner of Fifth and Main streets. The Homecoming Courts will be outside 109 N. Main St., near the northwest corner of Fifth and Main streets. The high school band will be at the Partners Park pavilion.
School officials said all the other groups will fill in areas along the route.
Officials said all groups will wear masks and practice social distancing.
“We are encouraging the community and other students to decorate their cars,” according to a release from the district. “We encourage passing cars to safely cheer, wave and support our seniors.”
City officials said there will be no street closures or parking restrictions in preparation for or a result of the parade.
The district will play the 2020 Homecoming game against Olentangy at 7 p.m., Friday. That will be the final regular season game for the Monarchs. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at 6:30.
For pictures of the crowning and a complete story on the game, see Saturday’s edition of the Marysville Journal-Tribune.