Politically themed floats made an appearance in SEMO’s homecoming parade

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KBSI) – A variety groups from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and across the community participated in SEMO’s Homecoming Parade on October 26, 2024. Amongst these were politically themed floats. Some parade-goers said they had mixed feelings about it.

Two students participating in SEMO’s upcoming production of Oklahoma! — Grace Fisher and Genevieve Moore — said they love seeing all the people from the community at the parade and getting to support their friends that were representing some of SEMO’s theater clubs.

Fisher said the parade was different this year.

“There was definitely more political campaigning this year, which makes sense, given we’re less than two weeks away from the election. So that’s one of the biggest differences I noticed,” Fisher said.

Two of the parade floats represented opposing sides of the proposed amendment three which would end Missouri’s abortion ban. Other floats promoted various political candidates.

“It was sometimes a little overwhelming just because there was so much of it,” Fisher said.

Fisher’s sentiment is echoed in a recent poll published by the American Psychological Association (APA) which found 69% of adults say the 2024 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life and 77% are concerned about the future of our nation.

Despite reported stress, the poll also found 61% of adults are hopeful about change the election will bring and 51% say they feel more compelled to support causes they value.

“I think it was fun to see people out and just supporting their candidates,” Fisher said.

“Yeah, I think it’s great to see people who are passionate about their cause,” Moore said.

You can find more information about the APA’s Stress in America 2024 poll, here.