Some southsiders were skeptical when leaders of Southport High School announced plans to ditch its traditional homecoming parade this year. But the community showed up in force for the school’s first homecoming festival, CARDFEST, to cheer on the football team.

The Cardinals’ varsity football team lost to the Cathedral High School, 54-0. But hundreds enjoyed the festivities before the game.

High school senior Gabe Harman, who helped plan the event and announced the homecoming court candidates, said he was shocked by the high turnout. Although the event seemed to be a hit, he said he prefers the traditional homecoming parade so he can sit in one spot and stay close to his family.

“Everybody’s usually spread out, so just to see everybody close up is really cool,” Harman said.

The longtime tradition always welcomes Southport High School alumni, and the festival was no different.

Marilyn Mayfield, who’s lived in Southport most of her life, is part of a long line of Southport alumni. Mayfield’s grandfather graduated from the school in 1902, leading to five continuous generations of Cardinals graduates. Mayfield was too sick to go to the parade last year, but she’s attended them for as long as she can remember.

Southport alumna Brooke Tunny grew up two streets down from the high school. Although she now works at a school outside of the small city, she loves celebrating the Cardinals with her kids.

Tunny is a big fan of the traditional parade, but she said she’d prefer another festival that allows residents to engage in different activities, like receiving henna body art from the Cardinals Celebrate Cultures student group.

“When I went to school it wasn’t as diverse as it is now,” Tunny said. “And I think (we need) everybody to learn in every direction about each other and just love each other.”

Juliana Sanchez, a junior and a member of Cardinals Celebrate Cultures, monitored a piñata station. Sanchez said she was excited to share some of her Mexican culture with kids as they tried to win candy.

“I actually feel really proud of it,” Sanchez said. “I like to get people to get informed by it, and I like to make sure that they know our culture.”

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.

Eliezer Hernandez is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach him at elihstudios@gmail.com.

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