Rambunctious kids, colorful floats, classic cars, cheering crowds, dancers, and musicians - there's nothing quite like a parade. The Millersville Parade has aimed to improve relationships between the Borough of Millersville, Millersville University, Manor Township, and surrounding communities since its inception in 1997. For more than 20 years, Steven DiGuiseppe chaired the initiative and superintended its development into one of Lancaster County's largest parades, but DiGuiseppe closed that chapter of his life last year when he retired. This year, the committee welcomed Victor DeSantis as the new chairperson. DeSantis serves as the executive director of community engagement and governmental and economic development at Millersville University. He said he is more than excited for the upcoming parade.

On Saturday, Oct. 16, the 2-mile parade will begin at 8:30 a.m., starting at Penn Manor High School, 100 E. Cottage Ave., Millersville, and ending on Millersville University's campus. The event will be part of the university's homecoming weekend; in fact, DeSantis noted it is the highlight of the weekend.

"For many, this is a kickoff to the fall season," stated DeSantis. "It's a time to see your neighbors and see all that the university and the Millersville borough have to offer."

The parade will feature some returning musical groups, youth organizations, local nonprofits, and emergency vehicles. New this year will be an axe throwing group. The event, however, will be shorter in length compared to past years because the committee wants to be respectful of people and people's concerns about the pandemic, said DeSantis.

This year's theme will be "Hometown Heroes." Instead of having a grand marshal, the theme will pay tribute to those who have made a difference in the community, including medical and health care workers, first responders, and educators. "We will be honoring and paying respect to those who never took a day off during the pandemic," explained DeSantis. "They're all going to be the guests of honor."

The parade is made possible by the efforts of volunteers, all of whom will receive a free Millersville Parade T-shirt and free admission to a buffet luncheon after the event. For more information on becoming a parade volunteer, contact the Parade Leadership Team at 717-871-5742 or visit https://bit.ly/2XL77Up.

DeSantis noted that he is most looking forward to the excitement of parade day on campus. "Throughout the last year and a half, we've really yearned for excitement and vitality," he said. "We missed our students very much and missed seeing our community interacting with our students, so, to me, the highlight is going to be seeing the level of excitement in our community because I think we all need it."

To learn more about the event, visit http://www.parade.millersville.edu/.