Submitted Photo The annual Community Spirit Parade in Gowanda — a much-anticipated event held ahead of Homecoming weekend involving the school district, village, local businesses and residents — is slated Thursday, Sept. 26, and this year’s theme is “Carnival.” It will be followed by the annual Powder Puff football game at Hillis Field. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register by Monday, Sept. 23. Pictured: Gowanda Central School District cheerleaders applaud during the 2018 parade.

GOWANDA — Homecoming weekend will kick off with a night of fun in the village being planned by the Gowanda Boosters Club. The sixth annual Community Spirit Parade is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. and the theme this year is “Carnival.”

Local residents are encouraged to join in the fun by making a float, walking together with your team, business or block of G-Town friends, or by cheering on the sidewalk as the parade winds through the beautiful village of Gowanda.

It takes only two minutes to register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdni1O0rZhsZOuEmYrky0iMzwajdnG1oD4L91ky-Pc97NTbNA/viewform Please note that all groups must register by Monday, Sept. 23.

Parade line-up starts at 4:30 p.m. behind The Hollywood Theater, with child drop-off behind Jesse’s Home & Gifts and floats entering on Center Street side.

Prize money will be awarded for the most creative and most spirited. Mayor David Smith will announce the parade in front of the Hollywood Theater. This year’s grand marshals are the Gowanda Clean-Up Crew led by John and Amy Jarzynski and Karen Burr. If you haven’t heard, they are doing some great things in our community.

The parade route will start on North Water Street by Soles Unlimited, head west on West Main Street, then turn right on North Chapel Street, then left on North Water Street past Hillis Field and end for pick-up on Panther Drive.

The excitement will continue with the annual Powder Puff game at Hillis Field as the senior girls of Gowanda High’s Class of 2020 take on the junior girls from the Class of 2021 in a friendly game of flag football. On the sidelines, boys from each class will be cheering and chanting to rally the crowd.

Goode’s food truck will be parked at Hillis Field to provide families with a local dinner option. Snacks and a 50/50 raffle will be featured during the game and Panther umbrellas will be sold.

Homecoming weekend officially starts Friday, Sept. 27 with the Gowanda Panthers football team welcoming Allegany-Limestone at Hillis Field at 7 p.m. The homecoming dance, which is a students-only event, is planned Saturday, Sept. 28.

If you have any questions about the Community Spirit Parade or Powder Puff game, please reach out to Jen Gernatt at 860-8782 or Candy Phillips at 796-4464.