The 74th Annual Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade will step off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, with the theme “Road Trip.”
The Community Homecoming Parade features entries from all grade levels.
The parade will make its way through downtown Plainfield, led by this year’s Grand Marshal, John Bayer, whose connection to the community runs deep. A 1971 graduate of Plainfield High School, Bayer has spent much of his life giving back to the school and community he loves. 
Growing up on Bartlett Street near downtown Plainfield, Bayer was a three-sport athlete at PHS, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. He scored 40 points in a single basketball game, setting a school record that stood for almost 50 years before being broken in 2020.
After high school, Bayer attended Monmouth College and later earned his degree from North Central College. His career included teaching physical education, working in insurance, and eventually returning to education after earning a science endorsement. He joined PHS as a teacher in 1990 and retired in 2019.
Plainfield High School was rebuilt after a tornado destroyed the building in 1990. The school was renamed Plainfield High School-Central Campus when District 202 added three high schools.
Bayer also dedicated countless hours to coaching District 202 students in middle school basketball, high school baseball, and boys’ and girls’ tennis. The Plainfield High School-Central Campus tennis courts now bear his name. As head boys’ tennis coach since 1993, he has led teams to six conference championships and an IHSA Sectional Championship, while coaching 10 doubles teams and 12 singles players to the IHSA State Tennis Tournament.
Bayer is married to Mrs. Nora (Bender) Bayer, a 1973 graduate from PHS. They have two children, Gregg Bayer and Jenelle Ehrlich. Nora’s father, Dr. Frank Bender, was a town physician for over 50 years who, himself, served as Grand Marshal of the Plainfield Homecoming parade in 2001.
Additional Parade Information
Then-District 202 Superintendent of Schools Walter Niehus started the homecoming parade in 1952 to celebrate Plainfield High School’s homecoming week. It has grown over the years into a community event bringing the whole town together.
There will be no parking at Plainfield High School-Central Campus on parade day.
Immediately following the parade at about 11 a.m., all PHS-CC alumni and friends are invited to attend the PHS Alumni Tea in the PHS-CC Main Cafeteria, where the Class of 1976 will be honored, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive.
All Class Reunion
The 11th Annual PHS All Class Reunion will be held from 7 – 11 p.m. on September 26, at the Plainfield American Legion Hall, 24741 W Renwick Road, Plainfield.
Whether you graduated 5, 25 or 55 years ago, you’re invited to catch up with alumni new and old. Grab a drink from the cash bar, a bite from the snack table, and enjoy a night of music, fun, and reconnecting with old friends. There is a $10 cover at the door.
PHS Athletic Hall of Fame
The 2026 PHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include:
· Ashley Shook ‘17 (volleyball)
· Connor McGowan ‘06 and Matt McGowan '08 (boys tennis)
· Tom Hensel ‘67 (boys basketball athlete, boys basketball coach, administrator)
The 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 25, in the PHS-CC auditorium, honoring Shook, the McGowans and Hensel. The celebration continues at the varsity football game at halftime and the Homecoming Parade.
Other Homecoming/Alumni Events
Plainfield North High School
· Varsity football game – 7 p.m. September 18, 2026, versus Romeoville High School
Plainfield High School – Central Campus
· Varsity football game – 7 p.m., September 25, 2026, versus Joliet Central High School
o Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 6 p.m. in the auditorium– inductees will be honored at the varsity football game on September 25.
· Alumni Tea – PHS-CC main cafeteria immediately after the parade on September 26.
Plainfield South High School
· Varsity football game – 7 p.m. September 25, 2026, versus Plainfield East High School.
Plainfield East High School
· Varsity football game – 7 p.m. October 2, 2026, versus Plainfield North High School
For more information about this year’s Community Homecoming Parade or to nominate a Grand Marshal for the 75th annual Community Homecoming Parade next year, please contact Chari Rahn at crahn@psd202.org or (815) 436-3200 or the PHS Alumni Association Events Coordinator, Ingrid Andreasen Price at (815) 436-7300.