Homecoming weekend marks a special time in football season when Gainesville is filled with UF alumni making their pilgramages back to The Gator Nation.
This year, several notable alumni will make appearances at Homecoming events, such as Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte, who will kick off UF's Homecoming celebration this year.
Lochte will serve as the grand marshal for the Homecoming parade, which begins today at noon.
The two-time Olympian picked up his second gold medal at the 2008 summer games in Beijing for the 200-meter backstroke.
Lochte still resides in Gainesville, where he continues swimming training.
Sara Tanner, associate producer of communications for Gator Growl, said Lochte will lead the parade in a car from Gale Lemerand Drive to Main Street.
The prestigious title of grand marshal is usually given to someone of importance in the area, Tanner said.
All prominent UF alumni are sent personal invitations to attend the Homecoming festivities as well, she added.
Although some alumni don't RSVP, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't attend the festivities.
Many return out of nostalgia.
"It is like a breath of fresh air for them to come back and see what is happening and how traditions are being carried out at the school they attended years ago," Tanner said.
This year, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and Alachua County Commission Chairman Rodney Long, both UF alumni, will attend if pressing state matters don't arise.
Famous figures, who may not be alumni, also make cameo appearances every year at Gator Growl, Tanner said.
"In the past, we have had former President Clinton, former President George H. W. Bush, Bob Barker and Mo Rocca make cameo appearances about their excitement or the game," she said.
At this year's event, she said, there may be special messages from both of the presidential candidates.
"Each person ends the message with 'Let the gator growl,'" Tanner said.
"This is a tradition that goes back 85 years to the beginning of Gator Growl."
