The 26th annual Millersville parade will return to the streets on Saturday, Oct. 14. At 8:30 a.m., the procession will begin its 2-mile route in front of Penn Manor High School, 100 E. Cottage Ave., and the parade will conclude at 10:30 a.m. on James Street near the Student Memorial Center.

The theme of this year's parade is "Travel the World," which was chosen to highlight both Lancaster County's visitors and locals who are exploring around the globe. Participants in the parade are encouraged to incorporate the theme in their costumes and float decorations by representing different methods of travel and other parts of the world. Every year, the parade includes a float of inflatables that embody its theme; this year, the inflatables will represent a native animal from each of the seven continents. "Coming out of (the COVID-19 pandemic), domestic and international travel has been on the rise. We thought it was a great time to feature a global theme," said Victor DeSantis, parade coordinator and vice president for university relations and strategic initiatives at Millersville University.

The parade will feature a variety of handmade floats, vintage cars, local organizations and both student and adult marching bands from across the county. Several marching bands will travel to Millersville from as far as Delaware to participate in the annual celebration.

The parade was created 26 years ago by a group of volunteers who sought to strengthen the relationship between Millersville University and the local community. Over the years, the event has grown into one of the largest parades in Lancaster County, drawing more than 15,000 spectators and participants in 2022 for its 25th anniversary. "It's a major bridge builder for us, and it helps to create a community atmosphere in Millersville," DeSantis said.

The Millersville parade is made possible with the help of more than 100 volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, such as banner carriers, flag carriers, inflatable costume volunteers, parking greeters and traffic monitors. In addition to its army of dedicated volunteers, the parade relies on local businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals who donate annually.

The event also serves as a way for the Millersville University students and alumni to celebrate homecoming weekend. On Friday, Oct. 13, alumni will be offered reserved tee times at Four Seasons Golf Club in Landisville, and an open house will be held at the university's archives in the McNairy Library on campus. To celebrate 90 years since the school's first homecoming was held in 1933, the archives will display school memorabilia from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Members of the Class of 1973 will receive a commemorative gift and a chance to view a special collection.

For more information, visit http://www.millersville.edu/parade.