Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
September 25, 2013 Kate Andrews | Coordinator of Special Events | Office of the Chancellor | 218 726-7005 | kandrews@d.umn.edu
Lori C. Melton | Communication Associate | External Affairs | 218 726-8830 | lmelton@d.umn.edu
UMD Homecoming Parade in Downtown Duluth - Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m.
For the first time in at least 40 years, UMD is taking its bulldog pride off-campus and
into downtown Duluth with a homecoming parade on Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m. The route follows
Superior Street in Duluth's downtown waterfront between 1st Avenue West and 4th Avenue West and
is expected to last about an hour.
There are more than 50 entries in the parade, all working with the theme Now Entering Bulldog
Country - Beware of the Dogs. One award will be presented to the entry that best represents the
theme of the parade.
Mayor Don Ness, who graduated from UMD in 1997, says he's looking forward to leading the parade
as the Grand Marshall. "It's going to be a great event that continues to strengthen the ties between
the city of Duluth and UMD."
Chancellor Black agrees, "We're reviving our maroon and gold collegiate tradition and bringing
the festivities into downtown Duluth. Instead of a campus celebration, this is a Bulldog Country
celebration."
It's a celebration that Downtown businesses are ready for. "We are thrilled to have UMD's
Homecoming Parade coming to Downtown Duluth," said Kristi Stokes, President of the Greater
Downtown Council. "It has been a priority for our organization to strengthen the ties between the
campus and the Downtown, so the entire community benefits from this partnership. We know our
businesses will be proud to show their Bulldog spirit as well."
The Maroon Loon, the former UMD mascot, is scheduled to bring his antics to the parade route.
Nearly all the athletic teams and Champ, UMD's current mascot, will also be among the 50 entrees.
UMD is partnering with the Greater Downtown Council, who is encouraging its members to decorate
storefronts in honor of UMD's Homecoming. Mayor Ness will be judging the contest and the business
with the most festive display will win a set of four Saturday night men's hockey tickets.
UMD News Releases