On Sunday, Sep 27, groups of students including those from the NHS, OHS Dance Team and Owatonna Girls Varsity Tennis congregated on Cedar Avenue to decorate storefronts in replacement for this year’s Homecoming Parade.

On a typical year, OHS students get to decorate floats representing their sport or activity for the highly anticipated Homecoming Parade. This event however was cancelled due to COVID-19, so the community had to be resourceful. Businesses in downtown Owatonna volunteered their storefronts, students volunteered their time, and the result was an inspiring display of community and school pride. SHOC Adviser Mrs. Williams said, “I think the community and OHS students were disappointed that we could not have a parade this year however most people understand the reasons why and thought that the student council’s alternative plan worked to make homecoming week memorable to everyone.”

Students created posters, wrote designs on windows using paint markers, blew up balloons, hung streamers and even drew some impressive chalk work on the sidewalks in front of their respective businesses. Cars can pass by to get a look at the students’ work in a sort of reverse-parade. The downtown area is truly a sight to behold in all of it’s silver and blue glory.

While it is obvious that these decorations are not exactly the same thing as the parade, it gives students and community members the chance to to celebrate homecoming in a safe and fun way while promoting local businesses and school activities. Owatonna Marching Band clarinet player and OHS junior Alyssa McGinn said, “Even if it’s not as fun as the parade, it [decorating storefronts] gives people a sense of normalcy.” This year’s homecoming is undoubtedly unlike any other many students have experienced, but the teamwork and community effort has helped pull off a way of celebration that is sure to be remembered for years.