Students on the John F. Kennedy High School Class of 2027 float participate in the 2026 homecoming parade. 

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - For three years John F. Kennedy High School held no homecoming parade, but 2026 was different.

Hundreds of students this year participated and hundreds more watched as the band, floats, cheerleaders, JOTC and other groups marched down Gloria Drive Sept. 25. Festivities began at 3 p.m.

“This parade has been months in the making,” said Kevin Inlay, activities director at the school. “The moment last year’s seniors graduated I submitted my permit for this because to shut down a street like this in the city as big as Sacramento requires a permit.”

He met with Sacramento police, fire and transportation, he said. Then Inlay had to reach out to clubs and his team had to place notices on the doors of about 400 homes letting them know the street would be closed.

“It is quite the effort, but as you can see, well worth it in the end,” Inlay added.

Kennedy High School in the Greenhaven/Pocket neighborhood is in the Sacramento Unified School District and has about 2,250 students, according to the school.

About 500 participated in the parade, Inlay said, and more watched from the sidewalk. 

“It took a huge effort, and it wasn't just me,” Inlay said, “it was our amazing new principal Jill Thom.”

Thom is serving as interim principal.

Kennedy’s Homecoming football game was delayed until Saturday morning because of safety concerns, Rebecca Alvarado, school community liaison, said.

But the Kennedy Cougars notched one for the win column Sept. 26 with a 31-6 victory over the Luther Burbank High School Titans.