The Austin High School homecoming parade is a time-honored tradition in Decatur, Alabama, serving as a pillar of community spirit. While its exact origins are lost to time, the parade has been a central part of the school’s homecoming festivities for decades, marking the end of the week of celebrations and the start of the big football game. The event is a chance for students, alumni, and the broader community to come together, celebrate school pride, and cheer on the Austin Black Bears. The parade route typically winds through the heart of downtown, allowing the entire city to participate in the festivities.
The 2025 parade was particularly special as the grand marshal was 16-year-old Alice Haughaboo, who is battling cancer. The school chose to honor her spirit and perseverance, declaring her the "fiercest black bear" and the ideal person to lead the parade. This year's parade was a powerful testament to the community's support and love for one of their own, transcending the usual school spirit to celebrate courage and resilience. This made the 2025 homecoming parade an especially meaningful and emotional event for everyone involved.
Here are the top 50 photos from the parade.
Austin High School 2025 Homecoming Parade Information
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 5:30PM
Location: Downtown Decatur, Alabama
Parade Route: Starts on Grant Street at 4th Avenue, turns right onto 2nd Avenue, then left onto Lee Street, continues onto Bank Street, and concludes at the intersection of Bank Street and Church Street.
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