Arkansas Superfan Canaan Sandy Named 2014 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal

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Canaan Sandy shows off his Razorback memorabilia at his home.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Arkansas superfan Canaan Sandy, a 2013 ESPN Fan Hall of Fame inductee, will lead the 2014 University of Arkansas Homecoming parade as the first grand marshal at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

Sandy has been a Razorbacks fan since he was 2 months old, when he attended his first game. He refers to himself as the “most dedicated fan the Hogs ever had.” He has the Razorbacks' schedule memorized, travels four hours each way to see them play in Fayetteville and has taught his entire church to Call the Hogs.

“We are honored to have the Arkansas Razorbacks’ biggest fan lead the parade,” said Ryan Miller, Arkansas Alumni Association assistant director for student and young alumni programs. “When his mom asked what he should wear, Canaan interrupted to say his red suit. He is so excited – and our Student Alumni Board is even more excited! They are already fighting over who will be his host.”

The parade will run from the Dickson S. and Highland Ave. intersection to the Chi Omega Greek Theatre. Participants will include Arkansas spirit squads, the Razorback Marching Band and student groups. A pep rally will follow the parade at the Arkansas Union Mall. The Homecoming Court will be announced during the pep rally.

“We’re ‘Calling All Hogs Home’ for Homecoming this year, so we hope to see Dickson St. lined up with Arkansas alumni and fans during the parade,” said Ashton Dawson, director of Homecoming for SAB. “Razorback fans who are in town for Saturday’s game should come out to the parade and the pep rally. It will be a lot of fun.”

Other events leading up to Friday include the Pigskin Classic flag football tournament at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the intramural fields.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, students will participate in Create-A-Hog from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge. Competing groups will create Razorback paintings on canvasses that will be auctioned off to support Student Alumni Association scholarships.

The Senior Walk Dedication is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. The event starts with a ceremony on the Old Main lawn followed by a ribbon cutting at the beginning of the Class of 2013 Senior Walk. All alumni and friends are invited to come recognize the newest addition to the longest tradition at the University of Arkansas.

For more information about Homecoming, visit homecoming.uark.edu.