Carol and John Hepper have been coming to the MSU Homecoming Parade annually for 40- some years.

Carol Hepper is an MSU alumnae who graduated in 1986 and for her, the best thing about coming to the homecoming parade is hearing the bands play.

“I’m a retired public school orchestra teacher,” Carol Hepper said. “I love the music part.” She still plays in the Minot Symphony Orchestra.

Hepper primarily played viola in college but also played cymbals in the MSU marching band.

From left are siblings Barrett, 6, Kora, 2, Harlee, 8, and Pyper Wolff, 11, stand on the sidewalk in Downton MInot at the Minot State University Homecoming Parade on Saturday.

“I always wanted to be in the band but I didn’t have an instrument to play besides viola or violin,” Hepper said about her choice to play cymbals.

It was in the marching band that she met her husband, who played the euphonium, also known as the baritone, in the band.

“We’re celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary next month,” Carol Hepper said. The parade is a tradition the Heppers share each year to celebrate their school, which was where their love story began all those years ago.

For other parade goers, this year was their first time seeing the MSU Homecoming Parade. Pippen and Jenna Guerrier and their two children, Ronan, 5, and Luna, 23 months, have lived in Minot for three years and decided to check out the homecoming parade this year. Ronan excitedly collected candy and toys and even children’s books that were handed out to him and his sister.

For sixth grader Pyper Wolff, 11, the best thing about this year’s parade wasn’t the candy but was hearing the song “Party in the U.S.A.” by one of her favorite artists, Miley Cyrus, blasting from one of the floats cruising by. Pyper saw the people on the float dancing and jamming out to the song, which inspired her to dance too.

Two young brothers receive candy from all sides at the Minot State University Homecoming Parade on Saturday.

Pyper’s mom has been bringing Pyper to the parade since she was young and was likewise brought to the parade by her own mother when she was a young girl, creating a multi-generational tradition.

The parade opened with the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard proudly marching down East Central Avenue in downtown Minot.

Following directly behind was the Pride of MSU Marching and Pep Band, playing the university’s “Alma Mater” as well as classics such as Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby.”

Following the band was the Homecoming Parade’s Grand Marshal Dr. Bob Sando, retired dean of the MSU College of Business. MSU President Dr. Steven Shirley was close behind, followed by Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient Jazmine Schultz and Golden Award recipients Dan Langemo and Dr. Jeffrey Sather.

Teresa Loftesnes and Julie Stavn also are Golden Award recipients this year.

Buckshot the Beaver waves at parade goers at the Minot State University Homecoming Parade Saturday. The Beaver was chosen as MSU’s mascot 100 years ago in 1924.

Minot State University cheerleaders march along East Central Avenue on Saturday for the Minot State University Homecoming Parade.

Members with the Minot Interfaith Allies float pass out candy to parade goers at the Minot State University Homecoming Parade Saturday.

Audin Rhodes/MDN Dr. Jeffrey Sather, one of Minot State University’s Golden Award recipients, cruises by in a vintage automobile during the MSU Homecoming Parade Saturday.

Audin Rhodes/MDN The Knights of Columbus float travels down East Central Avenue. during the Minot State University Homecoming Parade Saturday.

Audin Rhodes/MDN The Minot State Science Club members pass out candy from atop a horse carriage at the MSU Homecoming Parade Saturday.

Audin Rhodes/MDN The Pride of Minot State University’s Marching and Pep Band prepares to fill Minot’s historical downtown with enthusiasm and music at the MSU Homecoming Parade Saturday.