By Natalie Jones

This year, Memorial High School’s homecoming parade was held on campus. This newly changed scene sparked some opinions on what location was better: Carson Park or Memorial. Overall, the consensus was that the venue of the parade at Carson Park drew more of a crowd and felt more nostalgic. However, with the parade at school, it is easier for clubs and sports to engage in the parade and for parents to see their kids.

Firstly, it seems that the parade being at Carson Park in the past years drew a larger crowd. This could be due to the fact that it had been at Carson Park in the past and people knew what to expect. Madame Smith-Reuter says “I kind of liked it better at Carson Park but I was towards the end of the parade. I like the idea of it being on campus but it didn’t seem like there was as much community involvement as in years past.” She included that creating a different route for the parade would be beneficial, noting that marching through the neighborhood across from the school would gather more of the community.  

On the other hand, with the parade being held on campus, this makes the transportation of floats and props better for the clubs and sports involved. Lauren Stillman, a senior at Memorial, weighed in on this opinion saying, “It is easier for parents when the parade is at Memorial to see their kids.” 

The route the parade took this year allowed parents to better see their kids. By going through the parking lot and along Keith Street, there was enough space for spectators to view the parade. Sam McGee, another senior at Memorial, says “I liked it better at Carson Park because it has always been like that”, however, “the parade is better around Memorial because people are more familiar with the area so they would be more likely to come.”

As Memorial begins to utilize renovations, staff and students are starting to plan school events near the campus more than ever. The anticipation of the refurbished spaces makes many excited about what Memorial can offer in the near future!