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Smoky Mountain prepares for homecoming with parade, activities
By Justin Goble
Smoky Mountain High School is gearing up for homecoming Friday, Sept. 29, with a variety of events scheduled for next week.
The biggest event, aside from Friday night’s varsity football game, is the school’s annual downtown homecoming parade Wednesday, Sept. 27. According to SMHS teacher Linda Haggard, who is organizing homecoming events, the parade will start at 5 p.m. Floats will follow the usual route from Mark Watson Park and come down Main Street before turning at the Sylva Fire Department and heading back to the park.
“We were thinking that people could get off work and just walk down and see the parade,” she said. “After that, we’re hoping they will stay downtown to shop or have dinner since they’re already there. It would be great if the merchants got involved as well and decorated their stores for the parade.”
A change from the past, this year’s parade will feature three grand marshals – Sylva Herald Sports Editor Carey Phillips, SMHS football photographer Mark Haskett and WRGC sports announcer Brandon Stephens.
“These individuals have showcased our student athletes,” Haggard said.
The school’s football team, marching band and homecoming court will also take part in the parade, and there will be floats from each class and numerous clubs, Haggard said.
“It’s a way to get all of the students involved,” said Allen Stephens, president of the SMHS Student Council. “We also want to get the community hyped up for the game, and this is a good way to do it.”
While much of the week’s focus is on just one game, Haggard said she hopes the activities get people out to see other sports as well.
“There’s so many other home games that week, and we’d like to highlight them,” Haggard said.
Other homecoming week events will include:
Monday, Sept. 25 – Twin day; homecoming door and banner contests; home ladies’ volleyball against Swain, with JV games at 5 p.m. and varsity starting at 6 p.m; and men’s soccer at home against Brevard, with JV beginning at 5 p.m. and varsity to follow at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Pajamas day; home ladies’ volleyball against West Henderson, with JV at 4 p.m. and varsity at 5 p.m.; and powderpuff games on the football field. The freshmen vs. sophomore game begins at 7:15 p.m., followed by the juniors vs. seniors game at 7:45 p.m. The championship game starts at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Tacky day; judging for the homecoming door, banner and float contests; home men’s soccer against East Henderson, with JV at 5 p.m. and varsity at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28 – Western day; homecoming pep rally at 2 p.m., with introduction of homecoming court, crowning of homecoming king and announcing winners of door prize, banner and float contests.
Friday, Sept. 29 – Camo blue day; club sponsored activities from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and a talent show in the gym from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The SMHS homecoming football game will start at 7:30 p.m., with the court ceremonies taking place during halftime. A dance sponsored by the Student Council will take place in the cafeteria after the game.
All of Friday’s events are open to the public.
For more information, call Haggard or Stephens at 586-2177, ext. 285.
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