WUFT-TV to cover Homecoming parade live

October 8, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Public television station Florida’s 5, WUFT-TV, will present exclusive live television coverage of the 2010 University of Florida Homecoming parade, starting at noon Friday.

The parade can also be seen via streaming video at http://www.wuft.tv. WUFT-TV Executive Director Randy Wright and WUFT-TV Associate News Director Bridget Grogan will serve as emcees for the two-hour broadcast. Immediately following the broadcast at 2 p.m., WUFT will air a special one-hour program, “UF Soulfest,” featuring the best acts from the first annual UF student organization talent competition as they compete for a place in Gator Growl.

UF’s 87h Homecoming parade features the theme “Celebration of The Gator Nation” and three-time Olympian and UF graduate Steven Mesler will serve as the grand marshal. Local and state dignitaries will be honored as they ride down University Avenue in classic and new convertibles.

This year’s Homecoming parade, coordinated by Florida Blue Key, will showcase bands, floats and special units from UF student organizations and community groups.

WUFT staff and telecommunication students from the UF College of Journalism and Communications will once again provide live television coverage for the parade during the event. WUFT-TV Production Director Brad Noblitt will serve as executive producer for the parade and UF Soulfest program.

A rebroadcast of the parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 17 on WUFT (Cox Cable Channel 3 in Gainesville).