The TCU community lined the sidewalks Friday night as the floats, band, cheerleaders, color guard, Super Frog and chancellor filled the streets that surround the TCU campus to celebrate TCU’s roots in Cowtown.

Ali Stowe, student activities coordinator, said that she worked with the student government to this year’s theme: TCU’s Texan heritage in the heart of Cowtown – Where the West Begins!

“Since TCU plays the University of Texas and Fort Worth is the home of the original longhorns, we wanted to play off celebrating the best in Texas and decided on a vintage Texan theme,” said Stowe.

“I see a lot of green and a lot purple for Cowtown and the Horned Frogs, so that is good,” said Theron Smith, a senior at TCU. “I got to see the most school spirit with a lot of students watching from the BLUU.”

Various fraternities, sororities, alumni, faculty, and staff made some 10 floats in the parade to express their unique TCU spirit in light of the theme and engage the crowd.

“I think the parade is the one event we do that brings the whole community together,” said Stowe. “The floats make the parade more visually appealing and exciting.”

It brings out school spirit in students like Emma Boren, a junior at TCU, who was excited to cheer for the parade participants.

“All the TCU students are out and so happy for the frogs. The parade really brings in the alumni, community members, and everyone who lives in the neighborhoods surrounding TCU,” said Boren.

The floats are judged by quality, effort, completeness, theme application, visual identity of homecoming, audience participation, and incorporation of TCU spirit.

“Although no trophy award is presented, essentially it’s a sense of pride for best float,” said Stowe.

Beth Wright, a 2002 TCU alumna, attended the parade with her husband and children.

“It’s significantly changed since I was in school. There’s a lot more school spirit, more pride, and just more involvement,” Wright said. “I love seeing their personalities (in the floats).”

The parade also brings children to Fort Worth. Young kids traditionally line the streets in anticipation of candy.

Rafael Abreu, 2006 TCU alumni, and his daughter came from their Kansas City, Missouri home.

“Every year it brings a great experience especially for the younger generation so that they can feel the community and know they belong here, said Abreu. “They can have a dream to come to college here and be a part of it.”