This year’s Homecoming parade will showcase more than 40 entries from participating student and community organizations.

Entries can range from groups walking to creative floats, said Melissa Williams, associate director for Student Involvement and Leadership Development, in an email. Entries are judged in six categories: Best Residence Hall Entry, Best Community Entry, Best Organization Entry, Best Greek Organization Entry, Best Department Entry and Viewer’s Choice, according to the Homecoming 2012 Information and Application Packet.

Williams said the Viewer’s Choice award will be new this year.

“Parade watchers will get to vote for their favorite parade entry through our text message voting system,” Williams said.

Maliha Afreen, Muslim Student Association member, said she grew up watching parades and is enthusiastic about being in one. Her group is decorating two cars and posters.

“It’s going to be very sparkly,” Afreen said.

Entries will also be judged on their creativity, how they make use of the Homecoming theme and the overall effect of their presentation. First place winners in each category will receive trophies and 50 Homecoming points. Second place receives 40 Homecoming points, third place receives 30 Homecoming points and all others received 20 Homecoming points, according to the Homecoming 2012 Information and Application Packet.

Percussion club member Brian Wach said he will be marching with 32 people and playing Brazilian style music in the parade.

“For us to have a chance to walk two and half miles and be physically playing will give us a chance to show our creativity and pride,” Wach said.

The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Stadium Drive and will end at 7 p.m. at Kishwaukee Drive. Williams said there will be a bonfire after the parade behind Anderson Hall, where the winners of the parade awards competition and winners of Homecoming Court will be announced.