WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University homecoming parade has been shortened this year by only three blocks, said organizer George Micalone. He corrected an earlier Winona Journal report that the new had been cut from 14 blocks. Not since the 1990s had the parade run from the distance from Second and Grand streets down Huff to Mark Street, he said. For at lest 30 years, the start point has been Broadway to Mark Street, eight blocks, Micalone said. This year for the first time the route will not be on Huff Street, the major artery into downtown, and instead will be confined to five all within the campus. “The decision,” Micalone said, “was to minimize disruption to the Winona community by not closing two major roads and numerous cross streets on a Saturday morning.” The new route will, he added, “increase excitement and interest” in the homecoming tradition. “We’re excited to show off our beautiful campus and welcome families and community members who may have never been to campus,” he said.
Micalone. Director of student activities at Winona State.
Route welcomed
Winona police welcomed the new on-campus route to ease traffic disruption and crowd issues on Huff Street. The City Council readily issued a permit. Indelible in memories was the year that a drunk student fell off a float and cracked his skull on Huff Street. The parade was halted for an an amblance and to wipe blood from the pavement.