HOUGHTON — Dozens of countries and hundreds of spectators will take a new route for this year’s Parade of Nations.

Michigan Technological University’s annual celebration of cultural diversity in the Keweenaw will return on Sept. 21. Instead of the usual route starting in Hancock, this year’s parade will stay in Houghton, starting at Michigan Technological University and proceeding through downtown Houghton to Dee Stadium.

Citing reasons such as last year’s closure of Finlandia University, the City of Hancock requested the reroute, which it said would allow it to better manage its resources while continuing to support the event.

“The Parade of Nations is a cherished tradition for both cities, and by routing the parade from MTU through Houghton, we ensure that the event can continue to thrive without placing undue strain on our community resources,” Hancock Community Development Director Todd Gast said in a statement.

Parade walkers will pick up their flags and prepare at the Rozsa Center, then march through campus, passing by the Husky statue and through the new University Arch before merging onto College Avenue.

“We wanted to make sure that we were very inclusive with our international students,” said Mariana Nakashima, co-chair coordinator for the Parade of Nations. “Most of them live very close to the university, so we wanted to start by the Rozsa Center.”

College Avenue will be closed to traffic during the parade. Floats will stage by the admissions building near Cliff Drive, then line up at the stop sign on Cliff Drive and College Avenue and wait to be directed in.

The route will go down College Avenue and through Shelden, turning right by the Ambassador and heading down Lakeshore Avenue to Dee Stadium.

This year’s parade is about the same length as the traditional route, allowing it to keep the same schedule. The parade will begin at 11 a.m., ending at Dee Stadium at noon for the start of the Multicultural Festival.

“We didn’t want it to get too short and get there too early, because people are setting up food and entertainment,” Nakashima said.

As of today, the Multicultural Festival has eight international student associations signed up to sell food, three local restaurant vendors and two informational booths.

There will be plenty of activities geared towards children, Nakashima said. There will be a paid facepainting booth, and a craft table for kids, among other things. Girl Scouts and U.P. Kids will be among the organizations with floats.

Youth organizations will also benefit. Houghton High School’s Junior Officer Reserve Training club will sell water at the event, putting the money toward their club. Hancock High School’s football team puts away all the tables and chairs. In return, they get a donation that helps them buy uniforms.

“We try to include kids, and we try to support them as well,” Nakashima said.

People who want to participate in the parade, either with a float or on foot, can still sign up. If people want to represent their country, chances are Nakashima has a flag on hand and a sign for them to carry.

“I have flags for 150 countries,” Nakashima said. “If your flag is not here, I will buy it.”

Nakashima said the day is a great way for international faculty, students and staff to showcase their heritage, and for the community to appreciate the multitude of cultures here.

“We get together, we celebrate together, we try each other’s food, we see entertainment from different countries,” she said. “I think it’s nice for all of us to showcase our heritage and celebrate together, and show how diverse the Keweenaw is.”

There are still booths available at Dee Stadium. Interested vendors can contact Katie Draves at kadraves@mtu.edu.

To request a flag, sign up for a float, or volunteer for the event, go to the Parade of Nations website at mtu.edu/international/get-involved/parade-nations.