Sitting pretty with school spirit, the 2025 cheerleaders always bring a bit of sparkle and flash to last years Homecoming parade. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – In an unprecedented move, Gridley High School has bumped up their annual Homecoming celebrations from the month of October to the week of Sept. 22-26.

With only 3-weeks of classes under their belt, students are kicking off homecoming week, with float building Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2:30 to 9 p.m.in the animal barn at the Butte County Fairgrounds.

The Gridley High School Homecoming theme is “City of Stars” with themed floats representing famous cities throughout the United States. The freshman class have secured “London”, sophomores “L.A.”, juniors the city of “New York” and seniors have “Paris”.

The week will of course feature spirit dress-up days, class activities and fun events during lunchtime.

The annual Football Follies girls’ flag-football game will be held Thursday 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gridley High School Boneyard. The halftime show will be one you won’t want to miss, with the junior and senior boys performing a male cheer routine!

Each year, clubs, teams and senior students band together to parade through town. Last year, leadership students joined Volleyball players to ride down their awesome team float for the Homecoming Parade. Photo by Seti Long

Royal candidates this year include Homecoming Queen hopefuls Aubrey Quist, Ciara Clipse, Gracie Leishman and Rhythme Kildare. Homecoming King candidates include Asher Kimberling, Eli Punzo, Ethyn Rickertsen and Raul Vazquez. Aaliyah Cedillo serves as freshman princess, with Lina Telly as sophomore princess and Jayla Alvarez as junior princess.

As always, seniors will parade through town, showcasing their floats publicly during the annual Homecoming Parade. The parade is set for Friday, Sept. 26 and starts shortly after the last bell at 3:06 p.m.

Residents and drivers should be aware of the convoy that will travel across Hwy 99, down Spruce St., turning south on Vermont St. to loop back on Sycamore St. in front of McKinley School. Often the public lines the streets to cheer on the seniors as they throw candy at the small crowds that gather.

Homecoming week will culminate with the Bulldogs taking on the Paradise Bobcats, Friday Sept. 26. At the Gridley High School football field.

Saturday, couples will dance the night away under “A Night in Paris.” The homecoming dance will be held from 8 to 11 p.m. with pre-sale ticket prices beginning at $20 a ticket (with ASB card) and $35 a couple (with ASB card). Ticket prices will increase during the week of Homecoming.  Students planning to bring a non-Gridley High School student will need to contact the high school office for guest-pass accommodations.