Not only will the annual Mummers Parade return for its 75th anniversary march this month in South Williamsport, but event organizers are planning festivities and fireworks after the procession for the first time.

“It was disappointing for us having to cancel it last year,” said Dori Rankinen, parade coordinator. But judging by the community response and offers to help with this year’s festivities, it would appear as though everyone is looking forward to the return of the tradition.

“The community stepped forward,” said Rankinen. “We have had lots of people offer to man tables and games.”

Set for 2 p.m. on Oct. 16, the parade this year features several acts and participants, including circus performers, multiple high school bands, a calypso band and the much-anticipated return of the Swinging, Sagging Seniors.

At the conclusion of the parade, spectators are invited to gather in South Side Park where there will be a smorgasbord of goodies, including food, games and live music. A fireworks display will take place later in the evening, near dusk.

While there is no doubt that everyone has a specific part of the parade they are most looking forward to, Rankinen said that she is most excited to see a new addition to the parade.

“We have contracted this awesome Cinderella coach that is going to be ridden in by the Mummers Queen and her court. And that’s something that we have never done before,” she said. “This will be special, putting them into this fancy, four-star coach.”

The route of this year’s parade will see the procession beginning on East Central Avenue, where it will head west to Clark Street, then down to West Southern Avenue before finally turning east toward Howard Street.

The parade organizers are also aware that some may be wary of joining in on the festivities in person, given the ongoing pandemic and says that plans are currently being made for community members to enjoy the parade virually, “If people have concerns about the pandemic, we are working to try and get it livestreamed on Facebook,” said Rankinen.

Rankinen also made it clear that, along with support from the community, the corporate sponsors of this year’s event are owed a great deal of gratitude and thanks for ensuring that the parade can return.

At the end of the day, Rankinen said that she is most excited to see the community brought together for a day of fun-filled family activities.

“It’s going to be exciting to bring the community together in celebration, and we are praying for good weather and we are praying for those who are pandemic concerned that there isn’t a huge outbreak and that people can watch from their homes if they like.”