TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Downtown Troy is preparing to host the 71st annual Troy University Homecoming Parade.

According to parade chairman Dan Smith, Troy’s annual Homecoming parade has grown year after year.

“Just three or four years ago, we had three high school bands plus the Sound of the South, we [had] four bands,” Smith told TrojanVision. “This year, we have 12 bands from North Florida and Cottondale, Florida, and Daleville High School will bring over 100 bands.”

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This is the second year that Troy has worked to “bring back the bands.” Back in 2023, parade organizers prioritized inviting local band programs to participate via sponsorships from local businesses.

With so many people expected to be downtown Saturday morning, Smith urges community members to start planning now.

“Getting here early is always encouraged. Try to drive together and carpool if you can, but there is a lot of parking off the square in all directions, north, south, east, and west, a lot of parking down at the old courthouse down to the First Baptist Church beyond the police station.”

Not only do area bands get more publicity, but so do downtown businesses. Mason Faircloth, an employee of Momma Goldberg’s, a restaurant on Troy’s downtown square, told TrojanVision what the parade does for its business.

“It can get really hectic. It just depends on what the people are normally feeling that day as well but like during our homecoming, we normally stay packed out throughout the door. We have something for the university going on, such as football games and stuff like that it’s normally packed. With parades, it’s five times the size.”

This year’s parade has over 130 participants, including local pageant queens, marching bands, dance troupes, university student organizations and local businesses.

Parade participants will begin lining up at 9 a.m. Saturday. It’s expected to reach the square by 10 a.m.