BETHALTO – It was a great afternoon for a parade as numerous community groups, high school sports teams and candidates for homecoming royalty came out to march in the annual Bethalto Homecoming Parade.
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In preparation for Friday night’s big game against the Waterloo Bulldogs, parade floats and participants were decked out in their purple and gold to show their support for the Civic Memorial High School football team.
Bethalto first responders kicked off the parade with sirens blazing, followed by the Civic Memorial Marching Eagles, who shared their school spirit with a spirited rendition of CM’s fight song.
The 2026 Homecoming Court, including the king and queen candidates, traveled down the parade route in convertibles, waving to the crowd and tossing candy to spectators lining the streets.
Floats made their way through town as parade-goers stretched out their arms and held open bags, hoping to catch the sweet treats being tossed into the streets.
But there is more to the annual event than the pounds of candy consumed afterward.
Events like the homecoming parade give the citizens of Bethalto and its surrounding neighborhoods an opportunity to come together year after year, stand shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors and enjoy one another’s company.
And after the final float passes, the celebration continues as the crowds head to Civic Memorial for the big homecoming game.
