ā“˜ ARRIVE EARLY! We are expecting a record number of attendees this year, so plan ahead to ensure you donā€™t miss out on any of the festivities!

Homecoming Parade

Hampton Pirates!

We extend a warm welcome to the entire community to join us in the excitement of “Pirates Island” by registering and participating in our Homecoming parade!
PARADE REGISTRATION
Homecoming Events are CASHLESS.
All major Credit Cards and Apple Pay accepted.

2024 Homecoming Parade Information

Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 9:00am

Parking Note: The available parking locations to observe the Hampton University Homecoming parade are sold out.
Homecoming Parade Letter (PDF)

Parade Route

Line Up Location: Hampton City Hall (Eaton Street and Syms Street)
Parade Route Distance: 3.0 miles

  • Start at Lincoln Street at First Baptist Church going towards Franklin Street.
  • Viewing Stand in lot of Spirit of Life Christian Church (Lincoln Street).
  • Left on S. Armistead Ave.
  • Left on to Settlers Landing Road.
  • Continue on Settlers Landing Road towards Air & Space Museum.
  • Continue over the Bridge.
  • Right at Starbucks.
  • Right on to William R. Harvey Way and continue down the road. The gate will be open on the left between Phenix and Whipple Barn.
    (End Parade)
A graphic from a section of Google Maps. It shows the Homecoming Parade Route.

General Rules

  1. No stopping to perform along theĀ paradeĀ route EXCEPT at the judgeā€™s stand. (45 seconds) NO REVERSE MARCHING. Judges may disqualify units from competition for this offense.
  2. No unit should break ranks before reaching the dispersal area.
  3. Throwing of candy, gum, favors, etc., from elements in live is forbidden, as children may be pushed under a vehicle.
  4. Distance between separate units will be two car lengths. Distance between different elements within your group should be no more than one car length.
  5. Keep ranks close up. Exert every effort to keep theĀ paradeĀ moving and eliminate gaps.
  6. Automobiles, trailers, and floats will govern their speed so as not to overrun marching units. Any vehicle suffering mechanical failure should be pulled out of theĀ paradeĀ line.
  7. Band leaders should conduct their music so as not to overplay adjacent bands.
  8. The judgesā€™ stand will be in front of Spirit of Life Christian Church on Lincoln Street.
  9. Only student groups that are recognized by the Student Affairs Council will be permitted to participate in theĀ parade.
  10. All questions and request for exception must be directed to Mr. Calvin J. Harris at 757.727.5691.

Assembly

  1. Floats
    1. All floats are to be assembled on Bemis Lawn by 7:00 a.m. the morning of theĀ parade.Ā  The Hampton (City) Police Department will provide escort to the City Hall assembly area at 7:30 a.m.Ā  If you miss this time, it is very unlikely that your unit will make theĀ parade.Ā Ā (CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS ONLY)
    2. Float inspection will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to theĀ paradeĀ by either theĀ ParadeĀ Coordinator, and or her representative.
    3. At 6:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to theĀ parade, a final inspection will be conducted to determine participation.
    4. All other floats should arrive at City Hall by 8:00 a.m. the morning of theĀ parade.
    5. Note: Whether you want your entry judged or not, it must be decorated.
  2. Bands/Marching Units & Organizations
    1. All vehicles and participants must arrive to the assembly area between 7:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.
      • IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 8:00 a.m. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MARCH IN THE PARADE.
    2. Participants arriving on buses should be dropped off on Eaton Street near the assembly area. Buses should then proceed to Hampton University and park on Bemis Lawn.

Judging (Scoring) of Entries

Scale of Points:Ā  1 to 10
  1. Floats– Total of 40 points; 10 points maximum for each category as follows:
    1. Originality
    2. Artistic Design
    3. Esthetic Design
    4. Workmanship (Materials, Construction, Neatness)
  2. Bands– Total of 50 points; 10 points maximum for each category as follows:
    1. Precision
    2. Dress (Alignment)
    3. Execution (Drill Formation)
    4. Cover (Straight Line)
    5. Music Quality
* 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each category will be announced during half time of the Homecoming football game.

2023 Homecoming Parade ROUTE

Line Up Location: Hampton City Hall (Eaton Street and Syms Street)

Parade Route Distance: 3.0 miles

ROUTE:

  • Start at Lincoln Street at First Baptist Church going towards Franklin Street
  • Viewing Stand in lot of Spirit of Life Christian Church (Lincoln Street)
  • Cross over S. Armistead Ave (Mary Jackson Center on left)
  • Continue up Lincoln Street through residential area
  • Left on to N. Back River Road
  • Cross over W. Queen Street
  • Left on to Settlers Landing Road
  • Continue on Settlers Landing Road towards Air & Space Museum
  • Continue over the Bridge
  • Right at Starbucks

Right on to William R Harvey Way, continue down and gate will be open on left between Phenix and Whipple Barn (End Parade)

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