Orange Central offers fun for all ages at annual ‘Cuse Commotion parade, pep rally, bonfire and barbecue Oct. 2

Syracuse University’s new Orange Central celebration is an expanded Homecoming + Reunion, designed for everyone who “bleeds orange.” The festivities will feature fun for all ages at the annual `Cuse Commotion parade, pep rally, bonfire and barbeque on Friday, Oct. 2.

All SU students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community are invited to attend. Free parking will be available in the Lehman and Harrison lots and University Avenue Garage.

Orange Central 2009 co-chairs–MSNBC anchor Contessa Brewer ’96, legendary SU biology professor Marvin Druger and former Syracuse All-American quarterback and Class of 2008 College Football Hall of Famer Don McPherson ’87–will serve as parade marshals. Guest judges will be local radio personalities Ted and Amy from 93Q.

Parade participants come from the SU and local communities, including SU student organizations, members of SU’s Greek Life, SU alumni, SU’s Orange Circle Award winners, Assault City Roller Derby, the CNY SPCA, Drumcliffe School of Irish Dance, Johnston School of Irish Dance, Lorna Rose: Miss Finger Lakes 2009, Vera House, Greyhound Rescue & Adoption Inc. and All Bassets Cherished (ABC) Basset Hound Rescue Inc.

The parade will depart from the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center, 303 University Place, at 5:30 p.m. The parade route is as follows: University Place, right onto South Crouse Ave., right onto Marshall St., right onto University Ave., left onto Waverly Ave., right onto Comstock Ave., left onto University Place, right onto Ostrom Ave., right onto Euclid Ave., Euclid Ave. onto the SU campus. The parade will end on the SU Quad.

Parade viewing stands will be located on Waverly Ave. (between the Schine Student Center and Newhouse School) and outside of Shaw Hall (corner of Euclid and Comstock avenues). Autumn snacks and beverages will be available at no cost at the viewing stands. The judges’ stand will be located outside of WAER on Ostrom Avenue.

Immediately following the parade will be the annual `Cuse Commotion pep rally and bonfire at approximately 6:15 p.m. on the Quad. The pep rally will include announcements of the parade banner winners, Orange Spirit Award winner and Homecoming Court, along with appearances by the SU Student Association president and SU Orange Football Coach Doug Marrone. Admission to the pep rally and bonfire is free.

There will be a barbecue at the Schine Student Center (Room 304 and Panasci Lounge) at approximately 6:30 p.m., immediately following the pep rally and bonfire. The barbecue will give alumni, students, faculty, staff and members of the local community the opportunity to relax and mingle. Food and beverages will be served; admission is required. Cost is $12 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $5 for children (ages 11 and under). Reservations are preferred. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 1-800-SUALUMS (782-5867) or sualumni@syr.edu.

For more information on Orange Central and an up-to-the-minute schedule of events and activities, visit http://orangecentral.syr.edu.