Chester Road and the Sharon Road intersection close to traffic Wednesday, Sept. 30, as Princeton High School's homecoming parade marches through the corridor.

The parade steps off at 6 p.m. from Princeton Community Middle School (PCMS), travels east on Sharon Road, turns left onto Chester Road and ends at Jake Sweeney Automotive Stadium, according to Princeton City Schools. Roads close at 5:45 p.m. They reopen by 7 p.m.

Drivers should plan alternate routes during that window.

Mayor Lawrence C. Hawkins III will lead the procession as grand marshal. Behind him: floats, cars and walkers representing every Princeton elementary school, PCMS and PHS. The Homecoming Court, the Pride of Princeton Marching Band, the school's Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, cheerleaders and sports teams will also march under this year's theme, "Night on the Bayou."

Parade participants are asked to arrive and park at PCMS by 5:30 p.m. Lineup begins at 5:45 p.m.

Once the parade reaches the stadium, a free community pep rally begins at 7 p.m. on Pat Mancuso Field. The pep rally is open to the public and gives residents who missed the stadium's ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Sept. 26, their first chance to see the renovated venue in person. The district promoted the event on its athletics site, urging fans to "come see the new field and concourse."

The stadium originally opened in 1961 and underwent year-long renovations, WCPO reported. It held its grand opening as part of the People of Princeton Festival on Sept. 26, as we reported that day.

Athletic Director Joe Roberts said in the district's Aug. 11 announcement of the renovation timeline that the community had been "eagerly anticipating the return to our renovated stadium." Superintendent Dr. Mari Phillips called the facility "an investment in our students and our community" in the same announcement.

Homecoming week continues Friday, Oct. 2, when the Princeton Vikings host the Mason Comets at 7 p.m. for the first varsity football game at the renovated stadium. An All-Class Reunion follows Saturday, Oct. 3, at the PHS Mural Amphitheater from noon to 5 p.m.