High school homecoming parades, a tradition that continues today in many smaller communities such as Ripon, haven’t graced the streets of Manteca for at least 15 years.
East Union High is about to change that.
The Lancers are taking to the streets on Friday, Sept. 23. A homecoming parade complete with class floats, the East Union High marching band, the homecoming court and any alumni that wants to join takes place at 12:15 p.m. that day as part of the golden anniversary celebration for East Union High.
The parade is assembling starting at the Northgate Park parking lot. The route takes it down Northgate Drive past Neil Hafley School, and the East Union High campus to the George McParland School. It will then double back and end at EU High were a BBQ luncheon will take place.
That will be followed up with the 50th homecoming rally. The king and prince will be crowned at that time.
Then at 5 p.m. a big tailgate party is planned on the asphalt near Dino Cunial Stadium. It will feature food booths, other vendors and family friendly activities.
The Valley Oak League game on Sept. 23 is against Lathrop High.
The reason that game was picked is simple. Lathrop students were among those that attended East Union High from the time it opened until Sierra High opened its doors nearly 30 years later. They continued to attend Sierra High until the Lathrop High campus opened.
The junior varsity game is at 5p.m. with the varsity contest at 7 p.m.
Halftime activities during the varsity game include the crowning of the queen and princess as well as class floats.
Alumni are being invited to seat in sections delineating the year they graduated from East Union High. They will be introduced by class during halftime.
The first golden anniversary event takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 6, exactly 50 years to the day when the first bells rang at the East Union campus.
There will be an open forum discussion about East Union High over the years between current students and past principals over the years that have been invited to attend such as Dick Durham, Linda Frost and John Alba among others. The forum starts at 9:45 a.m. and it includes and audio visual presentation spanning the decades.
The East Union High Athletic Boosters are hosting a 50th anniversary social at Delicato Winery on Saturday, Sept. 17, starting at 6 p.m. The $25 tickets are available at the school office.

Bricks for sale as part
of Circle of Honor project
Eats Union High supporters are marking the school’s half century with the Circle of Honor project centered around a metal sculpture of a knight armed with a lance atop a pedestal ready to do battle that will grace the campus near the flagpole.
The project— is being funded with commemorative bricks now on sale through the school’s website (mantecausd.net/high school/east-union).
 The 8-inch by 8-inch bricks that allow for up five lines with 20 spaces each as well as three different clip art options are centered around either the 50th anniversary, the school’s block letters or the Lancers logo are available for $100 each.  The 4-inch by 8-inch bricks are $50 each.
The goal is to encourage people to honor anyone who has been part of the East Union High Lancer legacy or for former students to show their support of their ala mater by having their names and/or messages stamped on the bricks.
The Circle of Honor is being designed in part by East Union High graduate and professional architect Eric Wohle whose projects around Manteca include the Manteca Transit Center and the Manteca Animal Shelter. It could be dedicated during the spring of the 2016-2017 school year providing brick donations are robust.