The 2021 First Friday Parade will take place Friday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. on Highway 93. This is a traditional event hosted by Central Spirit that brings the Clemson community together to kickoff for football season.
The First Friday Parade tradition began in 1974 and is held the Friday before the first home game. The first home game this season will be against Furman University on Saturday, Sept. 9. 
“Everywhere you look Clemson is creating opportunities for its faculty, staff and students to facilitate a better and more successful future for the community, the university and its students,” said Carter Duke, first friday director. He used this inspiration from Clemon’s well-known saying “there’s something in these hills,” which led to the theme ‘These Hills are where We Build Success’.
Angela Nixon, Clemson alumna, was a member of Central Spirit and walked in the First Friday parades from 1996-2000.
Nixon has noticed that the parades have gotten bigger and “more inclusive of the whole Clemson community.”
This parade tradition holds a special place in the hearts of many other Clemson alumni as it demonstrates the love and spirit that is still very much alive.