*********************************
There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
*********************************
Summary Sentence: A homecoming tradition of classic cars and engineering oddities
Full Summary: The Ramblin' Wreck Parade is a parade of classic cars and engineering oddities held before every homecoming football game.
Georgia Tech Homecoming Wreck ParadeThe Ramblin' Wreck Parade is a parade of classic cars and engineering oddities held before every homecoming football game. There are three classes of vehicles, which participate in the competition. The first class is known simply as classic cars and these are vehicles over a certain age limit (currently 25 years). The second class is known as fixed bodies and these vehicles are normal cars, which have only been cosmetically modified retaining their original drive train. These are often themed, but are distinctly different from floats and are prohibited from being "pseudo-wrecks displaying pomps". The third class is the contraption category and these vehicles feature drive trains completely fabricated by students ranging from pendulum propulsion to pulse jet engines. Vehicles must feature an "indirect" drive system and are judged both on creativity and effective operation.
The Wreck parade dates back to 1929 when The Technique began an "Old Ford Race" to Athens. In 1932, the race was deemed unsafe by the administration so a parade of contraptions was created to subdue student protests. The parade has run every year since 1932 except for the years of 1942-1943. The American fuel shortage caused by World War II stopped the parade. In 1944, the parade was renewed except the contraptions had to be human powered. Gasoline power was allowed again in 1946.
