Just as the leaves change and fall, it’s time for a longtime South Williamsport community tradition — the annual South Williamsport Mummers’ Parade. This Saturday, October 18, the parade will begin at 2 p.m. and proceed through the borough’s streets, rain or shine.

Organizers are excited to say that the route will be the usual parade route, starting at West Central Avenue, to Clark Street, down Clark Street to West Southern Avenue.

The theme this year is “Cartoons,” but it is not a requirement to be in the parade.

The new committee has been working hard since January, planning for this year’s parade. New this year is the judges’ stand, where committee members select awards. The judge’s stand has been relocated this year to the Buttery Biscuit.

If you’re performing, please note the time limit is three minutes.

There will be 10 divisions with floats and dance troupes, to fire trucks, high school bands, and an assortment of other entries, and a yearly appearance from the Nittany Highland Pipe Band.

The committee is always looking for new members and ideas. They all work together as a team, and it takes a lot of planning, and every opinion or idea is considered. Meetings are held monthly starting in January (weather permitting) on the second Thursday of the month, held at the South Williamsport borough building.

It’s truly a community gathering on parade day, as many people along the route bring picnics and hold yearly family and friends’ gatherings.

It’s fun to see how all the hard work has paid off when you see all the kids with their bags to catch candy and the smiles on everyone’s faces.

The committee received a call from the North Pole, and Santa Claus wants to be in the Mummers’ Day Parade! Watch for him in the 10th division and remember he will be watching!

There is nothing more exciting than hearing neighbors plan 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, as well as a few unique floats, zombies, and a witch or two!

The Mummers’ Parade has been a mainstay of our area for decades. Each year so many people put in great effort to make the parade memorable. This year is sure to be no different. So please, get out and line the streets in South Williamsport and enjoy a South Williamsport area staple. The bands, cheerleaders, dancers and all who are participating appreciate all who come out to admire their hard work.

Enjoy the parade this Saturday!