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

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A local karate center displays their dragon symbol as they march in the parade. Many local groups and citizens participated in the university celebration. The Florida A M band shows off their skill during the parade. This year the band made a special appearance during Homecoming. President and Mrs. John Lombardi ride in a 1916 Dodge donated by Gainsville Dodge. The Lombardi ' s, er among other prominent figures, participated in the parade. Local firemen drive their firetruck down the avenue showing that Gainesville residents have gator pride too. Student Life 23

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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

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Gator Gow I crew. arrange the set on the foot hall in place and all cameras are set. The Gator Growl so that everyone in the audience could A student helps to t he cameras which bring a The Largest During football season, showed -Support for the team,; raced to games on and even traveled long distances to Jacksonville, and Tennessee watch the gators But for one week out of the year, students celebrated our school, fellow students and traditional Homecoming events. Gator Growl, said to be one of the largest student-run pep rallys in the country, took place the Friday night before the Homecoming game. For months in advance and during the summer, the, student of Gator Growl and da Blue Key worked on this event. They booked two held try-outs for and held the homecoming queen pageant. year. the big night Tara Taylor homecoming queen crowned homecoming queen quickly convert Stadium into a giant stage and lase light auditorium. And as show began fans of the gators members and dents came from all Gainesville for the biggest night event at UF. During Gator Growl st dents put on skits, the cheer leaders and Dazzlers formed and the band played The highlight of the night were the two comedians, in the past have include celebrities as Robin Williams Rosie O ' Donnell. And the finale a laser light shot across the stadium. Growl had become an event that students would look to returning to the next