Penn State Homecoming Parade Returns

Friday night saw the return of the annual Penn State Homecoming parade, the largest student-run parade in the nation, for the first time since 2019. Students, alumni, and State College community members alike lined the streets of State College to celebrate Dear Old State.

Take a look at some highlights from the parade, provided by Onward State’s visual team.

Many of Penn State’s teams, like the Lionettes and cheerleaders, made appearances to give a smile and a wave to parade-goers.

The parade opened on a high note with State College Area High School’s marching band.

Penn State ROTC members marched down the streets bearing their flags.

The parade featured some VIPs, including Penn State President Eric Barron and his wife, Molly, and Grand Marshal John Colaneri, a 2003 graduate and television personality best known for HGTV shows “Kitchen Cousins” and “Cousins Undercover”(below).

This young fan was on the lookout for the Nittany Lion and was pretty well dressed, too.

Many of Penn State’s international clubs were highlighted throughout the parade route.

Special appearances were also made by CATA buses, both big and small.