The South Williamsport Mummers Parade will be marking a special anniversary this Saturday when it steps off for the 75th time this Saturday, October 16, beginning at 2 p.m.

“After reluctantly skipping last year due to the pandemic, the parade returns bigger and better this year, marking a milestone 75th time that it has stepped off,” Dori Rankinen, chair of the parade committee, told Webb Weekly. “Hours and hours of time, much positive planning, and lots of prayers for NO RAIN ON PARADE DAY have filled the last 18 months. After disappointing news of the cancellation of the celebration last year due to COVID concerns, many were worried that there would be a similar situation this year as well. The committee is feverishly working to have the parade live-streamed on Facebook for those concerned about in-person attendance.”

According to Rankinen, in addition to the spectacular bejeweled Mummers’ band from Philadelphia and the bagpipes of Nittany Valley, there will be several new entertainers attending this year. Generous donations from local banks (Muncy Bank & Trust, Woodlands, Citizen & Northern, and Jersey Shore State Bank), Freedom Towing, South Williamsport Borough, and the Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce have allowed parade organizers to entice circus performers into the lineup. There will even be the return, for this parade only, of the Swingin’ Saggin’ Seniors!

As is befitting of a special milestone, this year’s parade will have another interesting and unique feature that will take place after the parade.

Following the parade, organizers hope that everyone will join them for a festival at the South Williamsport Park. There will be games and bounce house attractions to be enjoyed at no cost, thanks to the donations provided by parade sponsors. Delicious food, cotton candy, and Nittany Kettle Corn will be available for family-friendly prices. Live music will be provided by The Deuce Coupe cover band between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The circus performers will also continue their acts, so you might be able to see someone juggling fire!

The Moose Family Lodge of South Williamsport will be providing a Child ID program where parents can have their children fingerprinted, a picture taken, and documented for the family. The flash drive can be updated every year to keep information current in case of a missing child situation where the police may need the most current information for an Amber Alert. Please consider taking advantage of this FREE community service.

After the sun sets, the crowd will be entertained by a fireworks display presented by Zambelli Fireworks.

The Mummers’ Parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. The parade starts at Central Avenue and Market Street, goes west on Central, proceeds down Clark to Southern Avenue, goes east on Southern, and ends at Howard Street.

The judges’ stand is located across from the CVS plaza, where bleachers will be available for spectators. Officially, the parade disbands at Howard St., so there are many optimal viewing spots along the parade route in which to enjoy the afternoon.

Rankinen said the Mummers’ Parade has always been a family-friendly event for South Williamsport and the surrounding communities. There is nothing more exciting than to hear neighbors planning cookouts and gatherings for friends and family along the parade route. Music from the local high school bands and cheers from the various cheerleading squads mingle with the occasional fire truck siren as the afternoon progresses, as well as a few unique floats, zombies, and a witch or two.