The City of Conway and Coastal Carolina University (CCU) celebrated their fifth annual Halloween and homecoming golf cart parade Oct. 19 through the streets of downtown.
The parade showcased a range of imaginative themes from haunted carriages which evoked the eerie charm of Halloween, to vibrant, school-spirited caravans showcasing community pride.
This year’s event not only highlighted the Halloween season but strengthened the bonds between residents and students.
Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy of Conway rode in the parade behind CCU President Michael Benson. The crowd was her favorite part of the whole morning, with infectious energy and excitement across their faces as she rode past.
She expressed her excitement for having CCU as a part of the parade since Conway is closely connected with the University and its goals.
“We are Coastal Carolina-centric. It is all reflective of the season, but this specific parade speaks to Coastal Carolina,” Blain-Bellamy said.
Alumni like Bridget Stalvey made their way back to Conway for the parade to celebrate both their school and city. Dressed up as a clown with blue hair, she rode in the clown-decorated golf cart. Participants in similar costumes walked alongside the cart, throwing candy to the children.
“I enjoyed the parade mostly because of all the participants’ creativity. I feel like it’s a small-town parade with good creativity,” Stalvey said.
Junior intelligence major Logan Carter attended the parade in support of his girlfriend. This was his first time attending the homecoming parade, and his favorite golf cart was the Sea Turtle Club’s.
“I think more people should come to support because when people get loud, it was loud, and I think it could be like a lot more fun,” Carter said.
As the golf carts rolled by, the excitement reached a peak, especially during the final judging moments.
This event brought together locals and visitors alike, and the annual parade remains a staple of CCU’s Homecoming in Conway.
