Inspired by Princeton's famous P-rade, which takes place at Reunions and marks the graduation of the senior class, the Pre-rade is for freshmen only. They march in the Pre-rade with the president and members of the faculty (in full regalia). Other classes welcome the freshmen and introduce them to Princeton's "Locomotive."
The Pre-rade starts after the Opening Exercises in the chapel. The route proceeds via East Pyne, past Chancellor Green and the Henry House to Nassau Street. There, marching through the FitzRandolph Gate, the members of the freshman class officially enter campus as undergraduates. The route continues past Nassau Hall, between Morrison Hall and Alexander Hall to Blair Arch, where the freshmen participate in a "Step Sing" and are taught the words to Princeton's alma mater, "Old Nassau," by gathered students and alumni.
