Clemson hosts 50th First Friday Parade on Friday, Sept. 6

Clemson University will hold its annual First Friday Parade on Sept. 6, in anticipation of Saturday's opening home football game against Appalachian State. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., and the procession will follow Highway 93 from Cherry Road to Centennial Boulevard. Many dignitaries will be in attendance, including Clemson President Jim Clements, Mayor Robert Halfacre, university and state pageant winners, as well as a multitude of student organizations representing Greek Life, Tiger Band, Pershing Rifles, and other spirit groups.

This year's theme is a commemoration: 50 Years of Firsts. Friday's parade will be the 50th of its kind at Clemson University-a longstanding tradition that is revered as being "one of the first times that we can pull all of our students and our community together to celebrate what it means to be a Clemson Tiger," as described by Clemson University's Assistant Director for Student Engagement Ti-Ana Pyatt. Partaking in the festivities, along with the rest of campus and the surrounding community, will be a member of the inaugural First Friday Parade executive board, Sheri Belk, whose original work laid the foundation for half a century of celebration.

This year's Grand Marshal will be Women's Gymnastics Head Coach Amy Smith, who just led her brand new team to a very successful first season, marked by an all-around second place title in the ACC Championship and several individual honors.

When asked about her experience as the Central Spirit Director for the First Friday Parade, student Reagan Nohrenberg praises the widespread involvement and support she has received. "From people donating their cars to just spreading the word in the community," she says, "it shows how true the 'Clemson Family' saying really is."

There will be a slight route change for this year's parade due to the Clemson Men's Soccer match at 7 p.m. versus Stanford. Participating groups will line up in the Douthit Hills Hub area at 4:30 p.m., and road closures for all intersections along the highway will start at 5:30. The procession will begin at the intersection of Highway 93 and Cherry Road. Participating walking groups will conclude at the Lower Intramural fields, while cars will depart from the route at Centennial Boulevard. Spectator parking is available in the C-3 Lot (IPTAY Lot 5) on the west side of Memorial Stadium, as well as in downtown Clemson.