All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
The float carrying cheerleaders was one of the first in the parade.
Parents and community members wait to cheer on students.
The NHS 2023 Homecoming court rode in a convertible during the parade.
Posters celebrated Niwot High athletes just outside of the football field.
Fall came to Niwot a day early on Friday, Sept. 22, with Niwot's annual homecoming parade. The parade followed the usual route, winding past Niwot Elementary School, where students greeted the parade, then down Niwot Road past Cottonwood Square and onto Second Avenue.
Parents and other community members eagerly waited for the event. Brady Toothaker, the parent of a junior at the high school, was excited to cheer the teams on. "We come because we just love how they get all the sports teams out there. Our son runs, and the tradition is that cross country runs in the parade," he said.
Another highlight was the presence of the Niwot High School Marching Band and Jazz Band assembled in the parking lot in front of the former feed store on Second Avenue. Unable to march due to the parade's length, the musicians were tuned up and ready to play as the parade passed.
The parade featured 18 Mardi Gras decorated floats, including floats representing cheer, cross country, football, Key Club, boys golf, softball, volleyball, the administration, and the homecoming court. Freshman varsity cheerleader Azariah Lucero participated in the parade for the first time and noticed the youngest spectators on the parade route. She said "It was fun to see all the little kids smile and be happy to see everyone. Maybe to think about what sport they want to do in a few years."
Softball player and senior Autumn Rutherford has participated in the parade for four years, with this being her last year before she leaves to play softball in college. "The parade was really fun. It was really nice being able to see all the people coming out to cheer us on. And it was really nice to see the little kids. Going past the elementary school was my favorite part."
A total of 22 floats moved through the parade route quickly, so it was almost over too soon. The marching band kept things going by playing music well past the last float. Some of the crowd gathered to watch for as long as the music continued.
After its completion, Niwot High School Athletic Director Joe Brown reflected on the event as he put away some equipment. "It was a great turnout, a lot of participation this year. There were some really cool floats that were decorated for the theme. The kids had a great time, and we're really excited about the school spirit behind it. Really excited."
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