ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University’s annual Gypsy Day Parade took place on Saturday, Oct. 5, drawing students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to downtown Aberdeen, despite the chilly, windy weather.
The parade, which started at 9 a.m., featured an impressive lineup of floats and bands. Participants showcased their creativity with vibrant, candy-themed entries in line with this year’s homecoming theme, "Wolves in Candyland."
Float Winners:
- First Place: Crafted Interiors (#50)– $1,000 cash and six tickets to the President's Suite
- Second Place & Thunder Award: Active Minds (#24) – $500 cash and four tickets to the President's Suite
- Third Place & Northern Spirit Award: Strongheart Tae Kwon Do (#23) – $250 cash and two tickets to the President's Suite
Band Awards:
- Best Overall Band: Aberdeen Roncalli – Gold
- Aberdeen Central High School – Gold
- Britton Public School – Silver
- Eureka – Gold
- Groton Area High School – Gold
- Holgate/Simmons Combined Middle School – Silver
- Hoven High School – Gold
- Ipswich Public School – Gold
- Leola – Gold
- Miller High School – Gold
- Northwestern Area School– Gold
- Redfield High School – Silver
- Sully Buttes – Gold
- Warner High School – Gold
Following the parade, the celebration continued with the maroon out football game, where the Wolves edged out Bemidji State with a 14-13 win, adding to the excitement of homecoming.
Northern State University is proud of the continued success of Gypsy Days/Homecoming and its ability to bring together students, faculty, staff and the greater Aberdeen community.