Bronco fall spirit events scheduled

Contact: Deanne Puca

October 2, 2020

WMU Bronco fans celebrate at Waldo Stadium during the 1982-83 Homecoming game.

Bronco fans celebrate in the stands of Waldo Stadium during the 1982-83 Homecoming game.

Bronco fans in 1929 gathering in the street. — Homecoming parade (c. 1929-30)

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's fall spirit celebrations are gearing up to bring our Bronco pride home while at a distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fall alumni celebrations will highlight campus with a car parade through several spirit zones and virtual components, and a Virtual Bash will help students connect with campus organizations and departments.

A 50th anniversary float moves through WMU's campus in 1953. — Homecoming parade (c. 1953-54)

"The parade is a nod to the classic WMU tradition of years gone by, when WMU students marched down the streets of Kalamazoo in advance of the homecoming football game," Renee Pearl, assistant vice president of engagement, says. "While much has changed over time, and this year especially, the new parade aims to capture the excitement of the fall season we're all hungry for while showing off our beautiful campus to alumni and the community."

A float about fairy tales moves through WMU's campus in 1967. — Homecoming parade (c. 1967-68)

Register by Wednesday, Oct. 7, to join the Campus Car Parade, a family-friendly cruise through campus, on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The event will kick off with a performance from the Bronco Marching Band before participants drive around Ring Road, on WMU’s main campus, past a panel of Bronco celebrity judges—including President Edward Montgomery, Kari Montgomery and distinguished alumni—and Road 16 spirit zones featuring RSOs, Bronco Marching Band Pep Bands, WMU departments and organizations.

Sponsored by WMU Alumni Association, all WMU alumni, friends, faculty and staff are invited to join. Vehicle check-in is Saturday at 10 a.m., the Marching Band will begin at 10:45 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m.

For the health and safety of parade participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, spectators are discouraged from putting chairs along the parade route. The best way to experience the parade is to register a vehicle and drive through it, although organizers hope to invite spectators in future years.

You can find event information and registration online. Check back with the alumni fall events page for updates on events.

The campus community and especially students will have the opportunity on Thursday, Oct. 8, to explore a virtual outdoor plaza while clicking through numerous booths hosted by RSOs, WMU department and colleges, and businesses and nonprofit organizations from the Kalamazoo community. Sign up now to attend, and come back from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday to participate.

This is the first of two Virtual Bashes planned this year; the second is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Students can show their campus pride during Bronco Fall Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, through a series of virtual and socially distanced activities via ExperienceWMU. Featured will be a Zumba session hosted by the Student Recreation Center from 6 to 7 p.m. and a Virtual Talent Show hosted by Campus Activities Board from 7:30 to 9 p.m. In addition, eSports will be hosting a variety of games throughout the night including socially distanced opportunities at the Student Recreation Center. Student radio station WIDR will be broadcasting throughout the night. Students can RSVP here.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.

Photo Gallery

A float moves through Kalamazoo for WMU's Homecoming parade in 1966.

Homecoming parade (c. 1966-67)

A float for WMU's Homecoming parade moves through the street in 1968.

Homecoming parade (c. 1968-69)

A clown and marching band march through WMU's campus in 1978.

Homecoming parade (c. 1978-79)

The marching band plays on the field of Waldo Stadium in 1965. — Bronco Marching Band (c. 1965-66)

A car decorated with balloons moves through WMU's campus in 1980.

Homecoming parade (c. 1980-81)

The marching band plays for a crowd during WMU's Homecoming parade in 1984.

Homecoming parade (c. 1984-85)