Join the Parade!

Looking for a fun Fall event? The Western Michigan University (WMU) Campus Car Parade is a great way to get out of the house while staying safe this season. On Saturday, Oct. 10, The WMU Alumni Association will be hosting the event on WMU’s Main Campus welcoming the entire community, in addition to WMU alumni, fans, faculty, and staff (and regional car buffs!). Anyone can be a part of the parade by decorating their vehicle for a cruise through campus.

The free event will feature the best of Western, highlighted in spirit zones throughout the route that will showcase WMU academic departments, student organizations, Bronco Marching Band Pep Bands, and more. The 2.1-mile route offers the perfect opportunity to see what’s new on campus and take in the sites of the changing season—all from the warmth and comfort of your car!

The campus parade is a nod to the classic WMU tradition of years gone by, where WMU students paraded the streets of Kalamazoo to boost Bronco pride in advance of the homecoming football game. While much has changed over time, and this year especially, the new parade aims to capture the excitement between campus and community.

Each car will receive a complimentary WMU goodie bag and be entered to win one of several prizes, chosen by a special panel of judges selected from across campus and the West Michigan region, including WMU President and Mrs. Montgomery, WWMT Chief Meteorologist Keith Thompson, Gilmore Car Museum President Jeff Romig, WMU Alumni Association President Sarah Husain, and WMU Alumni Association board member Lauren Baker and Heather Stanley. Prize categories include the best Bronco spirit award, best-decorated vintage vehicle, most entertaining car, and WMU President’s choice. Those who can’t make it to campus but would still like to get in on the fun can enter their car virtually. The best virtual entry–along with all car parade winners–will be announced post-parade on WMU Alumni Association social media channels.

To enter the parade, each vehicle must register by Wednesday, Oct. 7 here. Additional details and information regarding the route, awards, prizes, and more can be found on the website.