Parents, siblings and community members line the campus of Marshalltown High School Wednesday evening for the first ever Cat's Mini Parade. The Homecoming court rode golf carts and threw candy to kids, while several of the school's sports teams, clubs, musical performers and more marched along to the MHS sports complex.

After months of brainstorming and setup, the big night for community-wide Homecoming celebration finally came to the Marshalltown High School campus Wednesday evening.

With the traditional parade put on hold until 2019, the school had a big task on its hands: figure out what to do to give Homecoming a proper celebration – that’s what brought the Cat’s Mini Parade and Cat’s Carnival to life.

“I’m glad we still got a lot of people together and did something for Homecoming,” said MHS junior Sarah Trowbridge as she and a group of friends stood among their peers at Leonard Cole Field, the site of the Cat’s Carnival.

She said she wouldn’t mind seeing the carnival return next year, but said she also wants to see the traditional parade return, too.

The mini parade rolled down the sidewalk along East Olive Street then turned north toward the MHS sports complex. Along with the full Homecoming court astride Elmwood Country Club golf carts, the parade featured the MHS Band, cheerleaders, color guard and several sports teams and clubs.

For senior Carissa King, this year’s unique Homecoming celebration brought mixed feelings.

“It was a cool idea, the carnival,” she said. “I think more people come to the (traditional) parade.”

King said the traditional parade down Main Street benefits from its location near Marshalltown’s residential areas and because it’s an annual event in town. Overall, however, King said she has been happy with the Homecoming experience to wrap up her high school years.

“It’s different being a senior because all your people are on the (Homecoming) court,” she said.

Younger students also enjoyed Wednesday’s festivities.

“I like the idea, I like that it’s close to the high school,” said sophomore Elijah Thiessen of the mini parade and carnival.

Fellow sophomore Ethan Benscoter said the carnival worked as a way for high schoolers to interact with the community.

“It’s a good way to promote the athletic teams and clubs,” he said.

Homecoming week continues Thursday as students will be encouraged to wear a jersey from their favorite sports team during class. Then, at 7 p.m. in the MHS-Community Auditorium, Homecoming royalty will be crowned and a pep rally will get the Bobcats ready for the big game Friday.

That game will see the Bobcats take on Sioux City West. Saturday evening will bring the Homecoming dance to wrap up festivities for 2018.

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Contact Adam Sodders at

(641) 753-6611 or asodders@timesrepublican.com

Leonard Cole Field was full of team and club booths as well as visitors from all over the community Wednesday during the first ever Cat’s Carnival. Along with the mini parade that preceded it, the carnival was meant to give students and community members a chance to celebrate Homecoming with the traditional downtown parade put on hold until 2019.