By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – For the third consecutive year, the Alabaster community did not disappoint when turning out for the city’s homecoming parade and pep rally, as thousands of spectators lined the streets and filled Larry Simmons Stadium for the event.

“Thank you all for coming out tonight and making tonight so great,” Thompson High School Principal Dr. Wesley Hester told the crowd filling the stadium’s home bleachers during a pep rally after the parade. “A special thanks goes to our spirit and homecoming teams for making this happen.

“It’s a great night to be a Warrior,” Hester added.

The parade kicked off at 6 p.m. from Thompson Middle School, and traveled down Warrior Drive in front of Thompson High School, turned right onto Thompson Road and then turned left on Alabama 119 before ending at Larry Simmons Stadium behind Thompson Intermediate School.

Dozens of floats, including entries from all Alabaster schools, each class at THS and several city youth league sports and dance teams, participated in the parade, throwing candy to the thousands of spectators.

The THS marching band, colorguard, dance team and majorettes, along with dance teams, majorettes and cheerleaders from THS and Thompson Middle School, also performed during the parade and pep rally.

The THS juniors won the parade’s Most Creative award, Creek View Elementary School won the Best Use of Theme award, the seniors were the THS class winners, Thompson Sixth Grade Center won the Most School Spirit award, honorable mentions were the entries from the CVES school bus drivers and Alabaster City Schools child nutrition program and Meadow View Elementary School won the Best Overall award.

“We hope you enjoy tonight as we celebrate our Warrior Legacy,” ACS Student Services Coordinator Dorann Tanner said, noting the homecoming celebration’s theme was “Warrior Legacy.”

Legendary THS football coach Larry Simmons, who won a state championship at the school in 1982 and compiled a 98-32-1 record and six playoff appearances during his 11 years at the school, served as the grand marshal for the parade.

The parade and pep rally came two days before the Warriors take on the Vestavia Hills Rebels in an Oct. 2 homecoming matchup.