Halloween, South Carolina’s annual homecoming parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m., and organizations are revving their golf carts to cruise the streets of downtown Conway.
This is Coastal Carolina University’s (CCU) fifth year participating in the parade which takes place at the conclusion of their weeklong homecoming celebrations. The parade brings Conway residents and CCU students together to drive through the city’s streets with their decorated rides for the golf cart competition, uniting the University with the City of Conway.
There will be non-competitive and competitive categories, including the most creative design, the best representation of CCU spirit and the most spirited group throughout the parade. Residents of Conway and organizations like Relay For Life, alongside fraternities and sororities, will participate in this year’s parade.
Senior and Relay for Life President Taylor Balint discussed the organization’s plans for involvement.
“Seeing all the kids and interacting with them, or walking down the street… it’s just so many good vibes,” Balint said.
The Relay for Life golf cart will be handing out breast cancer “Save the Date” wristbands for their fundraiser event in April. Balint explained how participating in the parade would expand Relay For Life’s off-campus outreach and inform people of their future fundraiser.
Sigma Phi Epsilon and Gamma Phi Beta are partnering for their golf cart this year. Simone Robinson, member of Gamma Phi Beta, is particularly excited about her first time participating in the parade.
“Seeing everyone come together for it, I know it just makes you feel very prideful of our school,” Robinson said.
With both school and Halloween spirits high, the parade’s atmosphere is expected to be electric. Both Robinson and Balint hope that CCU’s involvement will encourage more students to attend and participate next year.
Amanda Eisele, Senior Director for Student Involvement and Leadership at CCU, is helping to organize the parade alongside Executive Director of Conway Downtown Alive Hillary Howard.
“The parade is a good element to get students to Conway and connect with the city,” Eisele said.
She noted that before joining the parade, CCU students often missed opportunities to engage with the city. Hosting the parade in Conway allows Coastal students to support the community that supports their school.
