Building on the success of expanded homecoming activities last year, Wayne State University will feature a "Homecoming Parade and Cruise" as part of the annual back-to-campus festivities set for Friday and Saturday,

Oct. 25-26. The 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, parade and the 1 p.m. homecoming football game at WSU Stadium will cap a week of special events and spirit-building activities on campus.

This is the second year for the parade, which will boast seven high school marching bands and one middle school band. The following high school bands will participate: Cass Tech, Central, Finney, Henry Ford, High School of Fine and Performing Arts, Northern, Osborn, and Troy. Also joining the parade will be a band from Spain Middle School in Detroit. Together, the marching contingents will total more than 700 musicians.

A U.S. Army color guard will step off at the front of the parade, which will include a fire engine and some 40 floats and decorated vehicles. The floats are the work of Wayne State student organizations, various units of the university and alumni.

Parade units will assemble at the corner of Woodward and Palmer, then proceed south on Woodward to Warren, west on Warren to the Lodge Freeway Service Drive, then north to the stadium, where they will circle the football field.

At 1 p.m., the Wayne State football squad hosts Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival Northern Michigan University. Prior to that, Warriors fans are invited to participate in the traditional tailgate party in the Matthaei Athletic Complex parking lot beginning at 8:30 a.m. New this year is an alumni breakfast in the Warrior Dining Room at the university's new North Residence Hall from 9-11 a.m. Admission is $10.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the university will roll out its Victory Bell for a pep rally at noon on Gullen Mall in the center of campus. Friday is also Spirit Day, when students and staff are encouraged to wear Wayne State apparel to foster school spirit.

In conjunction with homecoming weekend activities, the Wayne State men's hockey team will hoist CHA Conference season and tournament championship banners before the Warriors home game this Friday, 7 p.m., against St. Lawrence University at the Great Lakes Sports City complex in Fraser.

For information on homecoming activities check the Web site at www.homecoming.wayne.edu or call the WSU Student Development and Campus Life Office at (313) 577-1992.