Some people say that autumn begins when the leaves fall. Others swear it starts when children go back to school. A few even argue that the season doesn’t officially kick off until pumpkin spice candles are offered in every shop window, jack-o-lanterns make their home on every porch, and Halloween treats line the shelves of every grocery store. Luckily for everyone, we all can agree on one telltale mark of fall—the homecoming dance.

Indeed, homecoming has become a “holiday” of sorts. For weeks in advance, students plan their whole high school lives around dress-shopping, game-watching, and date-finding. However, before the much-anticipated dance and even before the county-famous football game, there is something else that will “light up” Fluvanna County. For the first time ever (or just in a very, very long time), Fluvanna County High School will be hosting a “parade of lights” right before the football game. In this parade, unlike in most “traditional” processions, the focus will be on illumination— lights on each float will distinguish it from the next. Students, clubs, and county organizations are encouraged to submit a creative float to be displayed in the parade for a chance to win money for their program.

With categories such as “Best Use of Recycled Material” and “Most Illuminated” and “Best Fluco Spirit,” those who enter a float in the parade have a solid chance of bringing home some cash for their particular cause. Cindy Corbin, vice president of the Fluvanna Education Foundation, said, “We used to have parades like this at my high school. I can’t wait to see how resourceful students become!” Corbin has been contacting various local businesses to donate to the parade; they will receive advertising in return for “sponsoring” a float. She looks forward to seeing what the “community will come together and create.”

Enthusiasm abounds in the student body as well. Sophomore Lexi Demers has been considering working on a float for her club, admitting, “I’m excited to see all the lights.” Demers is also a part of the forensics team, which plans on entering a float in the parade.