Although the floats appear to roll down Fifth Street with ease during the homecoming parade, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Over the course of months, many hours of hard work go into the construction of the floats before they are finally presented to the public on the Saturday morning of homecoming weekend.

Baylor Homecoming originated almost 114 years ago on Nov. 24, 1909. According to Elizabeth Rivera, university archivist of The Texas Collection, the tradition exists thanks to then-President Samuel Palmer Brooks, who created the nation’s oldest homecoming as a way to inspire the community and reunite alumni.

In Baylor Homecoming history, groups like the Golden Wave Band have had a long-established presence, but this year’s parade will also include new organizations like the Catholic Student Association.

Despite the popularity of beloved homecoming traditions like the bonfire and the parade, such events may also raise questions about environmental concerns.

“We are able to tell the truth about our history, where we come from, and where we might be going,” Garrett said. “And it feels to me like Professor Reddie coming this fall could be a really important piece of Baylor’s continuing to reckon with our slaveholding past with racism and with the idea of repair and how we might move forward together.”