An enduring South Williamsport tradition, which has become an institution associated with the borough each fall, steps off at 2 p.m. for the 73rd time this Saturday, October 20, when the South Williamsport Mummers’ Parade takes place.

“We are determined to make the day about putting smiles on a lot of little faces this year!” Dori Rankinen, who heads the South Williamsport Mummers’ Parade Organizing Committee, told “Webb Weekly.”

Several professional groups: Woodland String Band, Nittany Highland Bagpipe Band, and the North Trinidad Steel Drum Band bring their musical talents to help bring an interesting mix of music to the parade. As usual, though, various area high school bands will also bring their talented array of musicians to help make the parade an enjoyable musical experience.

The North Trinidad Steel Band is new to this year’s parade and will help bring a unique Caribbean sound to the parade.

Jeanette Miller of Southside Ink will be doing a live tattoo as the parade processes through the streets. She will finish it and display the finished tattoo at the viewing stand.

According, to Rankinen, there are several new entries this year from area businesses. The parade is the easiest and most cost-effective way to advertise your business. Consider putting an ad in next year’s parade booklet.

A parade favorite will be in attendance; Spook Haven is offering a brand new scary experience at their location in Lock Haven — who knows what they’ll bring to the parade with them! Missing from this year’s parade, unfortunately, are the Swingin’ Saggin’ Seniors, who are taking a hiatus from this year’s parade; hopefully, they will be back entertaining the crowds with their antics next year!

Step off for the parade is at 2 p.m. The parade starts at Central Avenue and Market Street, goes west on Central and proceeds down Clark to Southern Avenue and 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 cheerleader squads mingle with the occasional fire truck siren as the afternoon progresses.

She said it takes money to put on a parade of this magnitude, so organizers are constantly fundraising throughout the year. Rankinen said they pay each high school band $500 to cover travel expenses and even more for the special out-of-the-area musical entertainment. Additionally, there are costs for things as mundane as porta-potties along the parade route.

It takes a lot of hard work and organizing to put on a fun event like the South Williamsport Mummers’ Parade. Rankinen said they are always looking for volunteers willing to serve as members of the organizing committee for the parade. The committee is inviting anyone interested in joining them for planning next year’s parade. They meet at the Riverwalk Building at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.

The parade is recognized by the IRS as a 5013-C, meaning it is non-profit. They are working to build a list of corporate sponsors over the next two years to make the 75th Anniversary Parade an epic one!

Be sure to like the South Williamsport Mummers’ Parade Facebook page to see the latest information on the parade. There has been a running thread on a post by the Lycoming Historical group discussing memories of the parade being at night. It has been interesting to see everyone’s favorite remembrance of the parade.