Question: I have attended the past few Homecoming parades and I always wonder: What group rides in the parade in a yellow school bus?

Answer: Whether or not this float was the inspiration for the horribly annoying kid's show "The Magic School Bus," I just had to know the story behind it. So I talked to Angie Ballard, program director of Homecoming, reunions and special events with the alumni association, and she informed me that this float, indeed called "The Magic Bus," is traditionally driven by the Chain Gang Junior Honorary. I got the scoop on Chain Gang by visiting its

Web site: clubs.asua.arizona.edu/~cgjh

Chain Gang is a group comprised of 35 coed juniors. Founded in 1926 by 15 men, this philanthropic organization originally served the UA by playing host to visiting athletic teams and promoting Wildcat spirit on campus. Acting in accordance with this tradition of school pride, Chain Gang is dedicated to supporting UA athletic teams and campus activities.

As a group, Chain Gang often attends football, basketball, baseball, swimming and diving, softball and gymnastic events on campus. Chain Gang also participates in Spring Fling, the largest student-run carnival in the nation, Homecoming and the Club Olympics. This quote was included: "Wave to us as we ride through the annual Homecoming parade in our giant yellow 'Magic Bus!'"

And, in case you are wondering, here's a little Homecoming parade history lesson: the UA held its first Homecoming in 1914. The first Homecoming parade, featuring student-built floats driven around the new stadium track, was held in 1929. In the mid-1970s, the parade moved back to the UA Mall, where it has become the nation's longest Homecoming parade run by the most participants.

The 2003 parade will be on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Over 100 float entries from various clubs and organizations will circle the Mall and head west from Campbell Avenue, turn around Old Main and east back to Campbell Avenue.

I hope that satisfies your curiosity! And don't forget to come out and show your Wildcat pride at the 2003 Homecoming football game against Washington at Arizona Stadium, 4 p.m. Saturday!

Do you have a burning question that keeps you tossing and turning at night? Send it to the campus detective! E-mail her at catcalls@wildcat.arizona.edu.