LAUREL HILL — With a wail of sirens, Laurel Hill School's first-ever homecoming parade wound on its four-block route from behind the school and back again Friday afternoon.
See photos from Laurel Hill School's first-ever Homecoming parade>>
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson reigned as grand marshal, leading a parade of three fire trucks, farm tractors, and vehicles laden with the Homecoming court, assorted princesses and community organizations.
Students and families lined Fourth Street and Sunnyside Avenue for the historic event, the young ones less concerned with the historic aspect as they dove for cascades of candy thrown from the passing vehicles.
As the parade turned down Sunnyside, brothers Jesse and Jacen Campbell and their friend Kaylee Campbell jumped up and down in eager anticipation.
"It's coming!" one of them shouted, just in case their parents hadn't noticed the blasts of sirens and air horns.
In just 12 minutes the parade had passed by, Santa Claus bringing up the rear seated atop "Old Red," the Laurel Hill Volunteer Fire Department's restored 1947 International fire truck.
"We're starting out small this year," Laurel Hill School Principal Lee Martello said.
Hobos of all ages scoured the ground for any overlooked treats and took time to visit before heading home. But they were back as the close-knit community turned out to cheer the Hobo basketball teams in Saturday's Homecoming game victories against Florala.
Gathering up the street barricades he'd set out less than half an hour before, school resource officer Deputy Joe McLaughlin pronounced the first Hobo Homecoming Parade a success.
"It's just going to get bigger and bigger and better and better," McLaughlin said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hobo Homecoming parade will grow 'bigger and better' (PHOTOS)