For 77 years, the annual Mardi Gras Halloween Parade has rolled through the streets of Columbia, entertaining spectators and raising spirits. This year's parade will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24. It will step off at 7 p.m. from 10th and Manor streets in Columbia and will proceed along a 1.5-mile route that includes sections of Manor, South Fourth, Union, South Second, Locust and South Sixth streets.

The parade is sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club and Sunsnappers, a men's service organization. This year's parade theme is "Food Fiesta," and both participants and spectators are encouraged to wear costumes reflecting the theme.

"This year's parade is shaping up to be one of the biggest in years," said John Grunden, Lions Club treasurer. "We already have more units registered than we did last year. It's a great way for people to come together for an evening of fun with family and friends."

The parade will feature five divisions with at least one band in each division. The procession will include high school marching bands, emergency response units, baton twirlers, Scout troops, fire companies, floats, walking groups, businesses and a steam calliope as the final entry. Several nonprofit organizations will sell food along the parade route.

  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in various categories, including baton groups, floats, walking groups and individuals. Grunden explained that judges are anonymous and roam the parade route to rate entrants on their overall appearance and performance. This helps ensure that parade viewers get a fair representation of what each unit has to offer, including elements that might have been missed if the entrants were to save their best performance for a specific reviewing area.

Jeff Groff, a lifelong resident of the Columbia area, will serve as grand marshal. He and his wife, Joan, will ride in a horse-drawn carriage at the front of the parade.

"Jeff's dedication to serving the community runs deep," said Paul Resch, president of the Lions Club. "Whether it's driving two hours to help clear brush at the Lions Beacon Lodge Camp for blind and disabled children or pitching in here in town to put up American flags, pick up trash or support educational projects like The Edible Classroom, Jeff is always willing to lend a hand where there's a need. The only thing that surpasses his long list of volunteer efforts is the generosity of his heart."

Groff has volunteered with numerous organizations, including the former Columbia Jaycees, which sponsored the parade for many years. He serves as president of the Columbia Park Rangers, a volunteer group he helped found more than 20 years ago. He also assists with repair work at Mount Bethel Cemetery, serves with the Columbia Shade Tree Commission and volunteers with projects at Glatfelter Memorial Field. Outside of Columbia, he has helped Lancaster Conservancy and Penn State Extension with tree planting, maintenance and invasive species clearing and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, among other organizations.

"It has been wonderful to be a part of Columbia organizations for several decades and stay involved with the parade throughout," Groff said. "I've also been given the opportunity to participate in many projects and experiences while meeting people along with enhancing and sharing my skill set while contributing to a better world."

For more information on the parade or to register, call John or Cheryl Grunden at 717-305-8348 or email parade@columbialions.org. Online registration is available at https://columbialions.org.