Fairmont State Homecoming to kick-off with annual parade through downtown, more events to follow
Homecoming Weekend kicks off with the much-loved parade through downtown Fairmont,
beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 28. The Homecoming Parade is one of the
highlights of Homecoming Weekend for both students and alumni of Fairmont State. This
year’s parade is sponsored by Detailing World.
Parade participants will line up beforehand at 5 p.m. at Everest Street and Kirkway Drive, about four blocks east of Fairmont Avenue near the Marion County Rescue Squad. This year’s parade will be led by President Mike Davis, who will be serving as the Parade Marshal.
“My family and I are very excited for our first Homecoming at Fairmont State University,” Davis said. “We hope to see many of our alums and community members on campus for Homecoming Weekend.”
Following the same route from 2022, the parade will begin on Fourth Street where it intersects with Virginia Avenue. The parade will turn onto Fairmont Avenue, continue as it becomes Adams Street, and conclude at Veterans Square in the heart of historic downtown Fairmont.
This year’s Homecoming theme is “A Rich Heritage…A Promising Future.” President Davis describes the important message behind this theme and what it means to Fairmont State.
“As we start to explore the future of what we might become, it is critical that we also honor our past and build on what has made Fairmont State one of the premier higher education institutions in the state,” said Davis.
The parade will consist of the Fairmont State Band and local high school bands, local first responders, floats and more. Floats in the parade will be judged as they pass by the Marion County Courthouse, and a winner will be chosen after the parade.
The parade is one of many activities planned for Fairmont State’s Homecoming celebration that weekend. After the parade a Homecoming bonfire will be held in the tennis court parking lot at 7:30 p.m. The bonfire will have food trucks, live music and games for students to enjoy.
On the following day, September 29 the annual Alumni and Emeritus Luncheon and Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held. Both take place in the Falcon Center’s Gym 1, the Luncheon from 12-2 p.m. and the Hall of Fame Ceremony beginning at 5. An alumni baseball game will also be taking place at 7:30 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier field.
Tickets for the Luncheon and tickets for the Hall of Fame Ceremony can be purchased online.
On Saturday, September 30 the much-awaited Homecoming football game against Post University takes place at 2 p.m. Several tailgates will be taking place beforehand at 11 a.m. surrounding Duvall-Rosier field. Tickets for the game can be purchased online. Prior to tailgating, an alumni swim meet will also be happening that day in the Feaster Center at 10 a.m.
After the day’s athletic events, a student Homecoming dance sponsored by Fairmont State’s Student Government Association will take place in Colebank Gym from 7-10 p.m. On Sunday, October 1 Fairmont State’s Soccer team will take on West Virginia State at 1 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier Field concluding the weekend’s Homecoming festivities.
