ATHENS, Ohio -- The annual Ohio University Homecoming Parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, a half-hour earlier than the usual 10 a.m. starting time. The parade will follow the traditional route, beginning on East State Street and winding down Court Street to the Convocation Center.

The parade will feature about 75 units. Providing music will Ohio University's marching band, the "Marching 110," the university alumni band and entries from Athens, Edison, Federal-Hocking, Nelsonville and Sheridan high schools.

Alumnus of the Year Richard Brown and his wife, Christine Demler Brown, of Dallas, Texas, will be parade marshals of this year's event. Former Ohio University student Nancy Cartwright, the voice of animated TV star "Bart Simpson," will be honorary parade marshal. Cartwright also will be on stage at 8 p.m. Saturday in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are still available at the box office, (740) 593-1780.