Henry football is number 27 in the lineup, right ahead of the Vista Ridge varsity football team at 28, the last group in the parade. The parade runs entirely inside the Gupton Stadium parking lot, not on the public streets: it circles the stadium on the main driveway, with spectator areas along the north and east sides, and lasts about 30 minutes. A public pep rally follows, then fireworks. No candy is handed out during the parade this year.

• 5:15 PMThe Gupton West lot closes to cars. Players get dropped at the front of Vista Ridge or outside the stadium and walk in.
• 6:00 to 6:30Meet Coach Taylor at spot 27 in the staging area, the West lot behind the home stands. Coach’s word: meet at number 27 before the parade starts.
• 7:00 PMThe parade starts at the south drive and runs about 30 minutes. Henry walks near the end, just ahead of the varsity team.
• About 7:30The parade ends behind the home stands. Players stay with Coach Taylor until they are released.
• About 7:40Pep rally in Gupton Stadium, open to everyone.
• About 8:10Fireworks, then home.

Henry is walking, not riding: no float, no vehicle, just the Hawks in the lineup with the Vista Ridge football program. Players line up as a group at spot 27 and follow the school’s parade rules and Coach Taylor’s lead.

• Before 6:30Get to spot 27. Come in on foot from the front of Vista Ridge or outside the stadium; the West lot is closed to cars after 5:15. Group leaders check in at the command center just outside the lot.
• 7:00 PMWalk the route as a group. Stay on the course and with your coach.
• About 7:30Pick-up. The route ends behind the home stands. Meet your player there when Coach Taylor releases the group, or after the pep rally if you are staying. It is dark and full of pedestrians by then, so go slow.

• Every walker needs the school’s participant waiver on file. If Coach Taylor has not collected yours, print it, sign it and bring it tonight.
• Wear your game jersey. Coach Taylor: players wear their jerseys and walk with the Vista Ridge football team. Watch SportsYou for any last-minute change.
• No candy this year. Wave, cheer and represent the Hawks.

Parking: park at Vista Ridge or Henry Middle School and walk over. The Gupton lots are for parade vehicles only, and the east lot is off limits under the fireworks. Please stay out of the neighboring business lots. Gupton Way closes to through traffic during the parade and reopens once the varsity football team has entered the route.

Where to stand: the spectator areas run along the north and east sides of the route. Henry walks near the very end, right before the varsity team, so stay put until the last groups pass, then head into the stadium for the pep rally.