Teachers and staff members from Syracuse Elementary showed off their Warrior Pride during the homecoming parade, held Friday, Sept. 30, prior to the football game. InkFreeNews photos by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Students and alumni of Wawasee High School, along with family, friends and community members from across the Lakeland area came together late Friday afternoon for a pregame celebration prior to the Warriors’ homecoming football game against Warsaw.

The evening’s fun started with a parade, led by fire trucks and emergency vehicles from Turkey Creek Fire Territory and Milford Volunteer Fire Department. The bright reds of the trucks were followed up Chicago Street into the high school parking lot by the forest green worn by members of the Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride, playing it rousing rendition of the school fight song, “Across The Field.”

The parade continued with a steady stream of vehicles carrying the homecoming king and queen candidates and the underclass court. A variety of floats, local dance groups and other enthusiastic participants followed, many tossing candy and treats to the eager youngsters lining the route.

Following the 20-minute procession, a backyard barbecue was set up in the parking lot to the north of the football field. The WHS Football Gridiron Club held its fundraiser, offering hamburgers, brats and steak tips to hungry football fans before they entered Warrior Field. The food was provided by Chubbies Pub & Grub, with cookies from Harvest Coffee & Market in Milford.