City cheers on homecoming parade

A sea of purple lined both sides of Poplar Street in downtown Harrisburg on Thursday afternoon, for the 2016 Harrisburg High School Homecoming Parade.

Leading the parade was Grand Marshal and HHS alumnus J.C. Lambert. Lambert is currently the throws coach for the SIU track team. Lambert competed at the 2016 Olympic Trials in the hammer throw, where he placed eighth. While at HHS, Lambert accomplished many athletic feats, including placing fifth in state in discus. A former HHS Athlete of the Year, Lambert was honored by his former HHS coaches and city officials before the parade.

"I just hope that I can be an influence on someone's life like these guys up here were on mine," Lambert said, reflecting on his past.

The parade itself featured groups representing the past, present, and future of HHS. Many graduating classes from HHS had floats in the parade, with alumni coming back to celebrate - even from as far away as Germany. Karin Reindel, who resides in Regensburg, Germany, was a foreign exchange student at HHS from 1985-86. Reindel returned for her 30-year class reunion and the parade, which she took part in as a student.

"It's a little changed, and a little the same," Reindel said of Harrisburg.

Members of the Homecoming Court rode in the parade, including Queen candidates Micaylen Wolf, Alexis Austin, Sarah Bittle, and Brandi Reed. The three attendants, Josie Drone, Sophie Winkleman, and Harlie Smith also rode in the parade, as did Little Mr. and Miss Bulldog Ian Crabb and Gabby Dooley.

The day's festivities ended with the annual bonfire located at the football field. Homecoming Week for HHS will come to a close with the football game against Benton tonight at 7, and the dance on Saturday at HHS from 8 until 11 p.m. Coronation will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and is open to the public.