The Homecoming Parade has been one of Ball State's greatest traditions since it began in 1939. University organizations and Muncie community businesses and groups enter floats, cars, bands, and even horses to show off their Cardinal Pride! 

2024 Parade Winners

  • Car/Walking

    • Caribbean Student Association

  • Float

    • Glad Tidings Church

  • Cheer/Dance

    • Cole Academy

  • Band

    • Muncie Central High School

Information for Entries 

  • The parade takes place on Saturday, October 26 at 9 a.m. Lineup begins at 7:45 a.m. at Muncie Central High School. The lineup will take place in the NORTH parking lot. There will be no space in the lineup lot for vehicles that are not in the parade. Please arrange to be dropped off or ride in the float/vehicle that is being used in the parade.
  • All entries must decorate to reflect the theme - Cardinal Roundup
  • There will be volunteers on site to direct the entrance into the lot and to your designated spaces. It is the responsibility of the participating organization/business to exit the parade route and campus immediately following the parade.
  • Entries will receive an email with a link to payment within 3 business days if your request has been accepted. 

    Floats

    The cost to enter a float in the parade is $100 for community entries and $50 for campus entries.
    Campus floats may request a police escort from campus to parade sight if needed. For an escort, contact the University Police Department at 765-285-1111.

    • Float size: Maximum measurements for floats are: 14 feet high (from the ground), 11 feet wide, and 22 feet long. Jeeps, flatbed trucks, pick-ups, etc. may be used for floats. A standard hay wagon or farm wagon may also be used at the base (a standard hay wagon consists of a frame and four wheels). The height restriction of 14 feet has been adopted for your protection so that the float will clear all the wires and trees along the parade route. All floats must adhere to these limitations and be capable of negotiating corners on the route.
    • Bus entries and/or vehicles larger than a standard car or truck should sign up in the float category to ensure enough space at the lineup site.

    Cars and Walking

    The cost to enter a car/walking unit in the parade is $100 for community entries and $50 for campus entries. Only one vehicle is permitted in this category. If you have more than one vehicle in your unit or require extra space, please sign up as a separate car/walking application and ask to be placed together in the lineup.

    Parade Route

    Alumni Parade Viewing Party

    Alumni, join us on the corner of University and McKinley Avenue to watch the parade! Email homecoming@bsu.edu to register. Complimentary refreshments will be available, as well as many door prize giveaways!

    Questions?

    For additional information, call 765-285-1408 or email us.