On Thursday, October 3rd, the streets of Bonney Lake will come alive with Panther pride as the community gathers for the 4th annual Bonney Lake High School Homecoming Parade. A festive celebration of the school’s clubs, sports teams, activities, and standout students, the parade is not just a showcase of the school’s spirit but a tribute to the tight-knit community that surrounds it. The event will culminate with a Community Night Pep Rally at the BLHS football field, marking the second year the school has had the privilege of hosting home games on its own field.
ASB Leadership Advisor Charissa Janke, a guiding force behind the festivities, shared the parade’s significance. “This parade is to recognize and celebrate BLHS clubs, sports, activities, and outstanding students (Royalty),” Janke said. “It’s also about celebrating having home games on our own field—a huge point of pride for us.”
A Growing Tradition
Homecoming traditions often run deep, but at Bonney Lake, the event is a newer staple, one that has quickly gained momentum. “This is our 4th annual parade,” Janke explained. “Panther Parent and city council member Kerri Hubler started it because she saw a need for our community to be able to celebrate Bonney Lake High School and give our students and staff the recognition they deserve.”
The Homecoming Parade wasn’t the only new addition to Bonney Lake’s traditions. Last year marked the first time the Community Night Pep Rally took place, a spirited event that will once again follow the parade and lead fans into the BLHS football stadium for a night of celebration.
A Parade for the Whole Community
Beginning at 5 p.m., the parade will make its way from the corner of 113th St E and 192 Ave E, down 104th St E, and finish at Food Truck Alley and the BLHS Stadium. The rally itself is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. on the field, making the night a seamless blend of tradition, community, and pride.
“This parade is for the entire city of Bonney Lake—community members, neighbors, families, students, parents, and visitors,” Janke emphasized. “We want to see our community come together, take pride in the city we love, and celebrate the people who call it home.”
And there’s more to the parade than just floats and fanfare. As part of the growing tradition, the school has created an environment where both students and local businesses contribute to the festivities. Food trucks will line Food Truck Alley, offering everything from corn dogs and coffee to ice cream and donuts, the latter made by the Culinary Arts students.
Janke’s vision for the parade extends beyond the school’s borders. “As our tradition develops, we’d love to see the community create their own floats, donate vehicles, and be involved. This started as a BLHS event, but I’d love to see it grow into a Bonney Lake event.”
Building the Hill
Janke’s enthusiasm for the parade is rooted in a greater goal—to “build the hill.” The parade is part of a larger effort to unite Bonney Lake residents and reinforce a sense of pride in the high school and the city as a whole.
Thor, the school’s beloved mascot, will also make an appearance, ensuring the night is filled with as much fun as it is school spirit.
With food trucks, the parade, and a rally full of Panther pride, October 3rd promises to be a night that brings everyone together. As Janke put it, “We’d love for the community to show up, enjoy the parade and rally, and feel connected to Bonney Lake High School. It’s a tradition we want to see thrive for years to come.”
So mark your calendars, Bonney Lake—this is your chance to show up, celebrate, and build the hill.
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