CRESTVIEW — Even the threat of Tropical Storm Karen couldn't dampen the Bulldog spirit as the annual Homecoming parade rolled up Main Street the afternoon of Oct. 4.
Following the parade with a 49-21 football victory over the Leon Lions, Bulldogs still have more Homecoming fun on the horizon. Due to the cancellation of weekend school district activities, Saturday's Homecoming dance was rescheduled for Nov. 2.
View parade photos here.
The Army ROTC battalion and the Big Red Machine led the parade, which included the Homecoming court princesses, princes, alumni and local supporters.
Alysa Schoffner and her friend Deja Patterson eagerly strained to catch a glimpse of Alysa's cousin, Daz Schoffner, a trombonist in the high school band.
Farther down the street, Brayden Powell, 6, kept a wary eye on the rolling floats and vehicles as he dodged the barricades to snag some elusive candy tossed by marching units.
Nearby, Sarah Reese, a familiar Crestview figure, popped out of Coney Island Hotdogs with a tasty hamburger to feast on after she took her position along the street to watch the parade.
Group after group called out, "Hi, Miss Sarah!" as they marched pass, receiving a friendly wave in return.
As the first marchers finished, many worked their back up Main Street to watch other marching units and business entries that were just starting to roll.
James Small, 12, welcomed a Crestview High junior uniformed as a member of the Junior ROTC battalion who had walked back down the street after his unit disbanded.
"This is my big brother!" James said, proudly putting his arm around Joey Small's neck.
Foster Lux, was to ride in an open convertible with other beauty queens, but first, duty called. She led the Big Red Machine as one its drum majors before running back down Main Street and, to a burst of audience applause, bounding onto the car's tonneau.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Homecoming parade rolls in spite of storm threat (PHOTOS)