More than 100 students from Demopolis High School have been busy this week at the National Guard Armory preparing a fleet of floats for today’s homecoming parade. A continuing tradition at DHS, students representing three school clubs and all four classes began weeks ago to create what they consider to be the perfect float.

This morning, judges will select one to be the overall winner, but last night it was all about putting on the finishing touches.

“It has been a lot of fun,” said senior Lloyd Graves, who has spent every afternoon working to bring his class’ design to life.

“It sure is a lot better than homework.”

The students have been working on the floats at the armory every evening until 9 p.m. and all day Thursday. They will roll out in time to join the parade that starts at 1 p.m.

Student council co-sponsor Rebecca Pipkin said the National Guard donates the trailers for the floats and indoor space to build them.

The students started early in the school year deciding a specific design using the theme, Mardi Gras.

“From there they gathered the materials needed and this week began the actual construction,” said Pipkin.

The JROTC and vocational classes at Demopolis kicked the week off by framing the backboards for the floats.

“It has been great,” said Caty Cameron, a senior who has worked on a float the past four years.

“This is my last year to be able to do this. I’m counting on us winning first place this year.”