UMD News Releases

Duluth, MN — A long-standing tradition continues at UMD next week when the 2014 Homecoming activities commence.

Bulldog pride will infiltrate Downtown Duluth on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 6 p.m. during UMD’s homecoming parade. The route follows the downtown waterfront between 1st Avenue West and 4th Avenue West on Superior Street and is expected to last about an hour.

After a forty-year absence, the parade resurged last year and, despite the downpour, was enthusiastically received. “It’s all about connecting with our community,” explains Lisa Pratt, alumni relations director. “This isn’t just a campus celebration, it’s an event for everyone in Bulldog Country.”

New this year, Logan Kolari, a Make-A-Wish recipient, will be a parade ambassador. Last year the 14-year-old from Virginia, Minn., fulfilled a wish of spending the weekend with the Men and Women’s hockey teams and the relationship grew from there. “Knowing that his wish is over but we still have everybody’s love and support is almost overwhelming,” says Logan’s mom, Erin Kolari. “I can’t tell you how much these friendships mean to him.”

The Grand Marshals for the event, Big Dave Wave and the Ripples, will bring their super popular, super danceable funk/soul/blues sound to the parade. Comprised of alumni and former students, the crew is looking forward to donning maroon and gold once again, “We love making music and helping people get down in the Duluth area, and we’re honored to be representing UMD in the homecoming parade,” says Dave. “It’s going to be a blast!”

The band will barely have a chance to catch their breath after the parade before taking the stage at 7 p.m. at Dubh Linn’s Irish Pub, 109 W. Superior Street, for an all-ages show that’s free and open to the public.

Nearly all the athletic teams and Champ, UMD’s mascot, will also be among the 50 entrees.

A mascot from the way-back machine will be vying for Champ’s spotlight during the parade, the Maroon Loon. This will be the former hockey mascot’s first appearance since 2010, when he popped out of the zamboni for a surprise skate around the DECC during the Bulldog’s last game in the old arena.

Volleyball, soccer, hockey, and football athletes will all be suiting up for games during homecoming week. The football game on Saturday, October 18 includes the invitation to tailgate before the 1:05 p.m. matchup against Northern State.

More information: http://www.d.umn.edu/homecoming/