Penn State Homecoming’s parade returned to Happy Valley Friday night, as participants, performers, and floats made their way from the east end of campus to the opposite side by way of downtown to its final destination at the Nittany Lion Shrine.

Hundreds participated in the parade on the eve of the Homecoming game, while even more folks lined College Avenue and campus sidewalks to bask in the Friday night spectacle.

Let’s take a peek at the parade through the lens of our photographers.

Members of Penn State’s ROTC escorted the Homecoming display throughout its journey. Some lucky little Nittany Lions even got a first-class, front-row seat to the action.

Members of the Penn State Homecoming Court donned matching quarterzips on floats and golf carts ahead of the crowning of the Guide State Forward Award during Saturday’s football game.

The Symbol of Our Best and members of Penn State’s cheerleading squad pumped up the crowds during the parade route.

Plenty of floats tossed candy, treats, and other items to children and Penn State supporters in the crowd.

Ahead of the Homecoming parade, THON announced its 2024 theme: Treasure Every Adventure.

We dance in 125, Penn State!

Even a Nittany Lion-in-training made an appearance.

Lady Lion legend, WNBA head coach, and Homecoming 2023 Grand Marshal Tanisha Wright and Blue Band Director Honorary Grand Marshal Dr. Gregory Drane made their first appearances as grand marshals Friday night. The duo will be honored during the Nittany Lions’ game Saturday, too.

A slew of Bernese Mountain dogs had their moment in the spotlight as the stars of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club, and the Happy Valley hounds made tons of friends along the way.

State College Mayor Ezra Nanes was ecstatic to participate in the parade alongside his family.

The Auntie Anne’s pretzel strolled alongside the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, too.

We’re sure you recognize those pink, fuzzy hats.

THON special interest organization Atlas strolled through the parade wearing the group’s trademark hats to honor its first THON family, the Victoria Smith family.

Finally, members of Penn State Homecoming’s directors walked the route to close the parade and one of their biggest events of the year.