The Madill Wildcats definitely know how to have fun and it was all games on the Square during the annual Homecoming Parade. The 2023 Madill High School Homecoming Parade was held on Friday, September 22 and was enjoyed by Wildcats young and old.
Multiple spectators heralded the parade as one of the best they’ve seen in recent years. Madill High School students and community businesses were challenged to a Float Contest judged by members of the Madill Alumni Association. Parade participants were to construct a parade entry using the Madill High School Homecoming 2023 Theme: Madill’s Got Game (classic games).
More than 15 local businesses and organizations threw their hats into the ring and joined in the fun building impressive floats. Parade goers were entertained with everything from card games to video games to board games and Sasquatch even made a special appearance. In the end, it was the Candyland themed float entered by the Madill Community Daycare Center that looked the sweetest to those in attendance, earning them the first-place spot. For their reward, participants of the Madill Community Daycare Center’s float were treated to a free tailgate meal at the Madill High School Student Council Pre-Game tailgate party.
The Madill High School classes gathered in the Madill Community Center after school and around various sports and other activities to construct their floats in just four short evenings. The high school students have not had the traditional experience of building floats in recent years following the health guidelines set forth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The week started out with much learning to be done, but the Madill High students rose to the occasion in a big way. One observer noted the roar of laughter coming from the Community Center was refreshing and contagious.
More than 100 students joined together to revive this longstanding tradition and to reignite the Wildcat Pride of yesteryear. Alongside the students were supportive parents, encouraging teachers, and loyal Alumni.
The way the community came together to help the students was truly special. Adults showed up to chaperone and provide a safe space for the high school students, to help with design and construction of the floats, and to feed the students each night they participated.
For the ones who didn’t make it out to see the float construction this year, put it on the to-do list for next year. When the parade concluded on Friday afternoon, it was the junior class who delivered the knockout punch with their Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em display earning the bragging rights for the next year along with free snow cones donated by Yellowstone Shaved Ice. Finishing as runners up was the senior class followed by the sophomore and freshman classes, respectively.
The grand prize of this year’s Homecoming Float Contest goes to the community. The pride, the creativity, the teamwork, and the memories made are all priceless. The Madill Alumni Association is in awe of the community support shown during Homecoming week and wishes to express the utmost gratitude to each and every single parent, teacher, administrator, supporter, Alumnus, and most importantly each student who played a part in making Homecoming 2023 the best yet.
Everyone’s input on the Homecoming Floats is appreciated and absolutely needed to continue making Madill’s Homecoming a success.