Grand Marshall Todd Rundgren exemplifies 'Rocktoberfest' at parade

Blaring fire trucks and glowing floats cruised down Third Street and Indiana Avenue on Friday as the 53rd annual Homecoming parade delivered the spirit of IU.

Musician and record producer Todd Rundgren served as grand marshal.

Rundgren led the crowd and energized the mood for the evening.

Rundgren is a familiar face at IU, having taught a seminar for Wells Scholars and Hutton Honors students last year.

“I’m not an alumnus anywhere because I never went to school,” Rundgren said. “My only college experience was at IU, and it was a no-brainer to accept the position of grand marshal.”

Rundgren said he loved the classic college campus feel of IU, and the students he worked with also inspired him.

“I met some great students here,” Rundgren said. “Not only were they figuratively inspirational, they helped me change and rethink things I was working on at the time.

Just the conversations I had and the suggestions I heard helped me musically.”
This was the first time the Homecoming parade was at night, and Rundgren said he was excited to be part of the change.

“The lights on the floats will create something different,” Rundgren said. “I’m excited to see the fireworks.”

Rundgren “epitomized our theme of Rocktoberfest,” said Tricia Riveire of the IU Alumni Association.

– Nicole Montella