BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University will host a celebratory parade Saturday at noon in Big Rapids to honor its football team. The Bulldogs recently secured their fourth NCAA Division II National Championship in five seasons, completing a historic 16-0 overall record. The team defeated Harding 42-21 in the national title game on Dec. 20 in McKinney, Texas.
The university is partnering with the city of Big Rapids and the Downtown Business Association to organize the celebration. The parade will begin at the Big Rapids Public Library and conclude near city hall, featuring members of the championship team and other university student-athletes. Explore Big Rapids and the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau are sponsoring the event.
The parade will also include local fire and police vehicles, along with various student and community groups.Following the parade route, a special recognition and proclamation ceremony is scheduled in front of Horizon Bank in downtown Big Rapids. Speakers for the ceremony include Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther, Ferris State President Bill Pink, Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank and head coach Tony Annese.
Community members attending the celebration will have the opportunity to greet the national championship team, obtain autographs and take photos with the four national championship trophies.
The downtown area from Maple Street to Pine Street will be closed until the event concludes. Local businesses, restaurants and shops are expected to remain open during the celebration.
The parade is part of a larger “Championship Weekend” in Big Rapids. Other events include the Bulldogs’ national championship ring ceremony on Friday at 4 p.m. inside Bulldog Arena and the annual Crimson & Gold Spring Game on Friday evening at 7 p.m., weather permitting. All events associated with the weekend are free and open to the public.
The championship celebration events are scheduled to take place throughout Friday and Saturday. The ring ceremony is Friday afternoon, followed by the spring game Friday evening and the parade and recognition ceremony on Saturday.