Homecoming Parade Policies and Guidelines

Youngstown State University YSU Rocks Homecoming 2026

 

Homecoming Parade Information

  • Saturday, October 17, 2026
  • Parade Start Time: 3:30 p.m.

 

 

This year’s theme, YSU Rocks, celebrates the energy, pride, and enduring spirit of the  Penguin community while honoring significant milestones on campus; the 25th anniversary  of the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum, and the 60th anniversary of one of YSU’s most  beloved traditions, painting the campus rock. 

Rooted in the idea that YSU truly “rocks,” this theme highlights both the strength of our traditions and the vibrancy of campus life today. At the heart of this celebration is the iconic  YSU Rock, a symbol of creativity, expression, and community connection. For generations  of students, The Rock has served as a canvas for sharing messages, promoting events, and  expressing pride, making it a visible and lasting representation of student voice. At the  same time, the theme expands beyond tradition to embrace a deeper meaning of “rocks,”  drawing connections to geology, natural formations, and the beauty of minerals and  crystals. Much like the diverse and evolving YSU community, each rock or crystal is formed  over time under unique conditions, creating something strong, distinct, and meaningful.  This layered interpretation reinforces the idea that YSU is both a place of expression and a  foundation for growth.

 

Registration Information: 

Submit an application online at the button below. Participants must register online through Monday, October 12, 2026 at 5pm.  

REGISTER

Information for Parade Participants: POLICIES AND GUIDELINES 

If you are participating in the 2026 parade, please read the details below. 

The parade is the highlight of the Homecoming celebration and is an exciting part of the  Penguin football season. Here are the details:  

  1. The staging area will be OPEN at 12:00 p.m. for ALL parade participants. All  participants should arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Sat., October 17,  2026. Student Groups: Floats must arrive by 1:00pm as judging will start at 1:30pm.  
  2. Parade numbers will be distributed during arrival. These numbers must be displayed  prominently on the right front corner of the Parade entry. Check-in is required with  parade staff to ensure policy adherence and safety for the event. 
  3. The route is returning to downtown Youngstown! The total length is 1.1 miles.  Staging for the parade will take place on Commerce Street near the corner of  Wick Avenue. Please enter the staging area on Commerce Street from Fifth  Avenue going east toward Hazel Street/Wick Ave. Parade attendants will direct  participants as to where to line up on the street. The parade will travel from  Federal Street (beginning at Wick Avenue) west to Fifth Avenue, and up Fifth  Avenue to the East Bound Service Road near Stambaugh Stadium. At this point,  the parade will turn right onto the Eastbound Service Road and disperse. 
    1. ANY GROUPS WALKING WILL NEED TO ENTER the M80 Lot at the North End of the  Stadium to disperse. Please see attached map for reference. 
    2. Drivers must NOT stop on Fifth Avenue to unload. Please keep everyone on your  float/vehicle until you get past the WATTS Center on the Eastbound Service Road  and have a place to pull over. This will ensure that the parade can continue moving  smoothly. Please see attached map for reference. 
    3. ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL OR PUBLIC INTOXICATION WILL BE PERMITTED OR  TOLERATED! FAILURE TO ADHERE WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE PARADE  OR IF NECESSARY, POSSIBLE PROSECUTION. 
    4. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO HAVE SQUIRT GUNS, FIRE EXTINQUISHERS, SILLY  STRING, OR OTHER “LIKE” DEVICES IN THE PARADE  
    5. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A COMMUNITY EVENT, WHERE YOUNG  CHILDREN ARE PARTICIPATING. NO FLOAT MATERIALS, DESIGNS, NOR MUSIC  SHOULD BE PLAYED THAT CONTAINS PROFANITY, OR EXPLICIT MATERIAL NOT  SUITABLE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. The parade is rated PG for the public.  
    6. STATEMENT ON POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING. YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY  DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY POLITICAL CANDIDATE OR PARTY OR POLITICAL ISSUE.  
    7. EXISTING OFFICEHOLDERS AND CANDIDATES ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN  THE PARADE TO REPRESENT THE OFFICE THAT THEY HOLD OR ARE SEEKING.  
    8. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN ANY POLITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT ANY  CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL ISSUE BE HANDED OUT ON THE PARADE ROUTE OR THE  TAILGATE LOTS DURING OR AFTER THE PARADE.  
  4. Registered Student Organization Floats will be eligible for prizes. Judging for  Registered Student Organization floats will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and winners will be based on the rubric provided by the Homecoming Committee;  all decisions are final.  
    1. All awards will be announced at 3:00pm in the staging area. 
  5. The parade lineup will begin at approximately 3:15 p.m. The YSU ROTC Color Guard  and Ranger Team will lead the parade. At different intervals, participants will be  called individually to enter the parade and mix with the floats, bands and cars.  
  6. IF THERE IS A VIOLATION OF ANY OF THESE RULES YOU MAY FORFEIT THE PRIZE  MONEY AND/OR NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE IN FUTURE