The streets surrounding Wiley College were full of happy, smiling people decked out in purple for the school's annual Homecoming Parade.

The celebration featured more than 100 entries, parade chairperson Shannon Levingston said.

Courtney Case/News Messenger (ENLARGE)

A throng of people watch the Wiley College Homecoming Parade makes its way down University Street Saturday.

"This was absolutely the best parade we've had in terms of spectators," she said. "We have lots of people on the entire parade route, and this is the first year that's happened."

The Rev. Develous Bright of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, serving as grand marshal, started off the parade with his family. Wiley President Haywood L. Strickland followed next.

Members of the S'Port City Corvette Club escorted several beauty queens in their shiny cars.

"We've been participating at Wiley for the last six or seven years," club member Randolph Jackson said. "We always enjoy coming here."

Parade watchers were treated to music by the UCP drumline from Shreveport, La., and the SJCC band.

Several sorority and fraternity groups also participated, performing chants or step routines.

Alumni groups, local organizations and businesses decorated vehicles and threw candy to eager children.

Other participants used the opportunity to show off their restored and decked out rides.

The Krewe of Sobek, La., closed out the procession while throwing Mardi Gras beads and pumping modern music.

The crowd, which became louder as friends and favorite groups passed by, seemed very pleased with the event.

"I've been part of the Wiley family for 65 years," said Richard Foppe Hodge Sr., whose parents are the namesakes of the Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Hotel Restaurant Management Center. "In all the years, this is the best Homecoming Parade in the history of Wiley."

Friends from throughout the country gathered on Hodge's porch to watch the parade.

"I want to thank the board of trustees, President Strickland, staff and students for adhering to and uplifting the message of the college," he added.

His favorite Homecoming activity was the choir's concert, which was standing room only.

"I've never seen anything like that concert," Hodge said. "It was one of the few occasions where I've seen tears of joy.

"Men were giving up their seats for women. That's something we learned in 1965," he added. "I'm proud to see that Wiley has not lost its focus."

Ms. Levingston's favorite Homecoming tradition is the parade itself.

"The parade ties everything together from the beginning of the week to the last couple of activities," she said. "We really want to thank the Marshall community for coming out and supporting the Homecoming activities."

The weeklong celebration wrapped up Saturday with the Wildcats' basketball game against Dillard University, the President's Blues Concert and a Homecoming dance.