The Mineola Mustangs varsity football team may not have been a winner on the field when it came to Saturday's homecoming game against the West Hempstead Rams, but when it came to school and community spirit, Mineola starred in an otherwise overcast day.

Parade goers left Andrews Road, south of Jericho Turnpike, at noon and proceeded to Mustang Stadium near the Hampton Street School. Each of the schools in the Mineola School District was well represented. Those who contributed to the festive atmosphere including the Mineola Rockettes and the Mineola Marching Band as well as the Mineola High School Alumni Foundation.

Colorful floats bearing a Peanuts theme since the homecoming was termed a "salute to Charlie Brown" made their way through the parade route. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the gang seemed set for a Mineola victory in a game that was to begin at 2 p.m.

School board members John McGrath, Dennis Mortensen, RoseAnn Buglione and Steve Siwinski as well as Mineola High School Principal John Lewis and district director of fine and performing arts, Rob Ratner, made the trip from the parade's starting point until its final destination where they witnessed Mineola students rallying their classmates to what they hoped would be a successful afternoon.

Those in the parade attempted to march Mineola to victory with brilliant displays of Mustang red in the form of shirts, jackets and even, white and red makeup on the faces of various fanatics. Those in the 2000 homecoming court waved to their classmates from the top of their barge where the Mineola Mustang mascot fired up the crowd.

Mineola Fire Department engine's sirens sounded in the cool September air. The Mineola marching band played seemingly endless tunes, as vibrant as the community's passion for its football team. Anyone who attended the parade got a sense that the school year is back and with it, the school spirit that is rarely displayed the way it is for a homecoming football game.

Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus, trustees Linda Fairgrieve, and Elizabeth Conlon and New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, a Mineola High School graduate, were among the dignitaries who made the long march to a stadium filled with electricity.

The 2000 Homecoming Court was recognized in the pre-game ceremonies. Junior Princess Kristina Zunno, sophomore Princess Jessica Valente, freshman Princesses Diana Mobyed and Allyson Strein as well as Homecoming Queen Katherine Hock each received a bouquet of roses from Mineola High School assistant principal Michael Terc. Hock and Homecoming King Christopher Gonzalez received their crowns.

Throwing out the ceremonial first ball was district director of health, physical education and athletics, Anthony Gulli, who was recognized for making a difference in the athletic programs in Mineola. Terc was also thanked for making the homecoming festivities a success.

The rain stayed away until after the first quarter had started, which is when Mineola hopes for a victory had ended. Good Grief would have been the best way to describe the first quarter for Mineola as a bigger West Hempstead team scored 18 points. The Rams added a touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the 24-0 win.

Although the 19th annual homecoming didn't produce a win on the field, the tradition of school spirit carried on. (For more photos on homecoming, see next week's edition of the Mineola American.)