ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – Northern State University is altering Gypsy Day plans for Saturday due to anticipated inclement weather.

The NSU Gypsy Day Parade will not take place as usual on Main Street. Instead, parade entrants are encouraged to line up their floats in the tailgate area of Swisher Field to be viewed and judged during the Wolves football game, which will be played as scheduled at 2:30 p.m.

According to NSU President Dr. Tim Downs, this decision was made after consulting with numerous entities, including the city of Aberdeen, the National Weather Service Aberdeen office, area businesses, high schools, Northern students and alumni. Numerous floats, as well as the majority of high school bands had already stated their intent to withdraw from Saturday’s event.

“The safety of our students and the community is our top priority, and with the anticipated snowfall and unseasonably cold temperatures, and the we determined this to be the best course of action,” Downs said.

Parade entrants are asked to arrive at the tailgate area via South Roosevelt Street between 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday. For questions and instructions, please contact NSU Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Megan Frewaldt at Megan.Frewaldt@northern.edu.

Those participating in tailgating can line up starting at 10 a.m., with tailgating officially opening at 11 a.m.

Downs stressed that, despite this rare change in homecoming plans, the spirit of Gypsy Days remains strong.

“Our parade has always been about celebrating our university, students and alums, as well as our community and region,” Downs said. “This alteration doesn’t change that, and we hope that everyone will still come out on Saturday and celebrate with us.”

No other changes are planned to the Gypsy Days schedule, though officials will continue to monitor the situation. Those attending Saturday’s events are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.