University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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A group of friends listen to a speaker during lunch in the plaza. A student gets ready to throw a frisbee to his friend. Students played many different leisure games such as frisbee and hacky-sack in the plaza. A choral group performs at the plaza for an audience of students and friends. get lunch from the Hare Krishnas with a small donation. Many students lined up each day to eat. vegetarian cuisine. Student Life 21

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the America ' s. This area, between a library cafeteria to students and their rides his bike through the plaza stretched this area leading in all directions to different buildings. Place of any Uses Paula Stahmer speaks to a group of students during her campaign city commissioner of the plaza during die semester to speak about and issues. ssues. Right, a student sets up informational table in the plaza. Sitting in front of the is a grassy region with a few sidewalks running through it and trees located stategically to provide just enough shade. During lunchtime the plaza, as it is known by regulars, becomes crowded with students. Some hunger for food given out by the Hare Krishnas while others socialize and a few wait for a demonstration. Other sights often include pets, on a continuum from snakes to dogs, groups of hacky-sackers and nappers. 20 Student Life

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The Homecoming Court, Tara Taylor — crowned later that night at Growl, and wave at the spectators as they are driven past the university. Senator Bob Graham, a Sigma Chi alumni rides in the parade shows spirit by copying the gator chomp with his hand puppet. Community and UF Together A member of the band marches down University . By 11 a.m., crowds had already gathered along University Avenue for the 1992 Homecoming parade. - Cars parked along streets up to 10 blocks away as Gainesville residents, UF faculty and students turned out for the celebration. The Gator Gallup, a traditional race that started near Florida Field and ran past the university towards Main Street, had already begun. And in the parking lot of the O ' Connell Center, parade participants lined up in anticipation at noon drew nearer. Just about anyone could take part in the parade. All of the area high schools, who had the day off, sent their bands and cheerleaders to march, and organizations and Greeks made floats that represent Ave- the Homecoming theme. Dr. Lombardi and his wife rode in the parade, as well as Albert and And the UF Pride of the Sunshine band and cheerleaders rallied the crowds. While some spectators sat in the bleachers, most of the audience parked themselves along the curb as they ate snow cones, hot dogs and waved at friends across the street. Children were entertained by mimes and ballon artists. As noon marked the starting time all the floats lined up to begin the hour march. Orange and blue filled University Avenue while cheered from atop their floats that sparkled with bright colors. The parade helped kick off Gator Growl that night which brought the pre-game activities to a close. Of all the times during the year, this day in particular marked a time when the community and the university came together in harmony . It was a tradition on another level. by Monica Curry 22 Student Life