Sitting on bales of hay along the sidewalks of University Drive, with others finding seats on bleachers, approximately 700 students and alumni gathered to watch the homecoming parade Saturday.
Although turnout for the homecoming parade was less than what was expected, those who did attend, such as environmental biology freshman Christina Nebeker, said they had a good time.
Nebeker said she came out to show school spirit, but said she understood why more students didn't turn out to watch the 9-a.m. event.
"It's important to support the team," Nebeker said. "But I think to a lot of other students, sleeping is more important."
Fifteen members of student government planned the homecoming-week festivities over eight months to lead up to the annual football game, played this year against the University of Washington Huskies. The events were designed around the country-western Sun Devil Roundup theme on a budget of approximately $15,000.
The events publicized Saturday's winning football game, attracting 56,101 spectators and filling up the student section.
Associated Students of ASU homecoming director Tyson Padgett said his favorite homecoming event was Saturday morning's 30-float parade.
"The parade brings everyone together," Padgett said. "It shows off different campus clubs and shows the diversity of the University."
Communications junior Brian Roebert said he's been to all of the homecoming events.
"It's important to support ASU," Roebert said. "Plus it's a lot of fun."
Besides fun, homecoming participation gives support to our athletic teams, said architecture sophomore Marc Mathieu, who participated in the Manzanita Hall's float that featured an outhouse designed to "flush out the [Washington] Huskies."
"The parade gives spirit to the football team," Mathieu said.
Some non-student floats, such as that of the Tempe Fire Department, also participated in the parade.
"We've never missed a parade," said firefighter Ottie Carroll. "It's important to give support to the student body."
Undecided junior and president of the Snow Devils Amanda McDowell said being in the parade was important to show that the group does other things outside of skiing and snowboarding.
"It's important to be involved in school activities," McDowell said. "It's also a great opportunity to attract potential members."
ASASU planned many other homecoming events last week, including an ASU movie night and a ball.
Approximately 25 people attended the showing of Jerry Maguire at Neeb Hall on Tuesday. The film features a scene filmed at Sun Devil stadium.
The homecoming ball, a formal dance held Wednesday in the Carson Ballroom of Old Main, drew half the 600-student crowd ASASU expected. Only 300 students attended the event that cost $1,500.
Psychology freshman Lindsay Michaels attended the ball and said she had a good time.
"It looked like a lot of effort went into it," Michaels said.
Reach the reporter at meagan.pollnow@asu.edu.
