Frequently Asked Questions about the Millersville Parade.

  • When is the parade?

    Saturday, September 21, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

    Please note the earlier than usual event day for this year's production of the parade. For a variety of reasons, circumstances and situations, this date worked best on the University Calendar with MU Homecoming.

    To learn more about 2024 MU Homecoming, click here. 

    Back to top
  • Will the Millersville Parade have bands and balloons?

    YES! The Millersville Parade is always lucky to receive a wide variety of support from entries in the forms of marching bands, floats, community businesses's vehicles, fire trucks, police, youth groups, and costumes!  To register for the 2024 parade, click here. 

    Back to top
  • How long is the parade?

    From the time the first parade entry passes your viewing location, you should anticipate about 2 hours until the final entry arrives.

    This parade begins at Penn Manor High School (off Cottage Ave.) at 8:30 A.M. The parade usually reaches the MU Student Memorial Center (S. George St.) by approximately 9:30 A.M. The end of the parade will be on James Street, as parade entries pass the reviewing stand and make a left onto James Street (adjacent to Charles Gordinier Hall on the MU campus).

    Back to top
  • What is the parade route?

    CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF PARADE ROUTE.

    The parade begins at Penn Manor High School (100 E. Cottage Ave.) and then proceeds onto Herr Avenue; crossing Cottage Avenue, New Street, Quarry Drive, Charlotte Street and Kready Avenue. The parade then turns left onto Landis Avenue and continues to North George Street. The parade then turns left again onto N. George Street and marches toward the university; crossing Kready Avenue, Charlotte Street, Cottage Avenue, Model Avenue, Normal Avenue, East Frederick Street, Ann Street and the finally onto James Street. Prior to the final left turn onto James Street, the parade passes by the Millersville University Student Memorial Center, where the parade grandstand and emcees are stationed; then all entries turn left onto James Street. The parade ends at the parking lot on James Street. [Approximate parade length: 2 miles]

    Back to top
  • ATTENTION MILLERSVILLE RESIDENTS:

    If you live on any of the streets along the parade route, or those between Herr Ave. and N. George St., you will not be able to drive anywhere on parade day between 8:00 A.M. & approximately 12 noon unless you prepare ahead of time. If you anticipate needing to leave during the parade, please move your vehicle outside of the parade route before 8:00 a.m. In the event of an emergency, access to any street will be provided as needed.

    Back to top
  • Where can we park?

    Free parking is available in any of the Millersville University parking lots.

    Millersville Borough streets where available and legal—except the parade route streets. 

    A continuous shuttle service from lots on James Street to the parade staging area at Penn Manor High School is available. All participants are strongly encouraged to park in the lots on James Street and ride the shuttle to cut down on congestion in the staging area. Parents are welcome to ride the shuttle over with their children and then ride it back again once the children are with their respective organization.

    Handicapped parking is available at most parking lots on the MU campus.

    Back to top
  • Where should I drop off my child and pick them up?

    Children who are in the parade may be dropped off at Penn Manor High School at the time specified by their group leader and go directly to their parade line-up location. It is suggested that participants park on the MU James Street lots or behind the MU Student Memorial Center and ride the shuttle bus (on James St) to Penn Manor. Parents are welcome to ride the shuttle over with their child and then ride it back again once the children are with their respective organizations. Then, you will already be parked near the end of the parade and can simply leave from there once your child passes by the grandstand. If you park elsewhere, you will still need to meet your child on JAMES STREET and then walk to your vehicle. The walk from the James Street lots back to Penn Manor is a few blocks away! PLEASE use the free parade shuttle service.

    Back to top
  • Will the parade be canceled if it rains? How will we know?

    This parade is advertised to occur rain or shine. In the event of drizzle or light rain showers, you should assume that the parade would proceed as scheduled.

    In the event of thunderstorms/heavy rain/strong winds, the parade will be canceled (no rain date).

    If the parade is canceled, you can get this information on the Parade website or any social media outlet affiliated with MU.

    Back to top
  • Are vendors allowed along the parade route?

    Yes, there is a fee for vendors mandated by Millersville Borough. For more information about vending, please contact the Borough Office at (717) 872 - 4645.

    Back to top
  • How can I become a volunteer?

    This year, the Offices of University Events & Alumni Engagement are combining volunteering efforts to participate in our 2024 Homecoming Weekend including the Millersville Parade.

    Click here to learn more about the needs from community and alumni volunteers to make the weekend a MYSTICAL success!

    Back to top
  • Is there a cost to be in the parade?

    For businesses, for-profit organizations, and political candidates for office, there is a cost of $175.00 to register to enter the parade.

    Non-profit organizations (NPOs), governmental entities, media, Universities, etc. will have the fee waived to enter the parade. NPOs must be registered as an approved 501(c)(3) with the IRS to be excluded from paying the entry fee. To determine if your organization qualifies for NPO status, please click here. 

    ALL INDIVIDUALS/BUSINESSES/ORGANIZATIONS, ETC. WHO PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE MUST COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS. 

    Please visit the appropriate pages on our website for more information or click on the links.

    Back to top
  • Where is the staging for the parade lineup?

    Staging for the parade will begin at Penn Manor High School complex and will include Circle Road and part of Herr Avenue, adjacent to the Penn Manor High School area.

    Back to top
  • Can our group give out candy to people along the parade route?

    Candy or other objects may be hand distributed but not thrown or tossed on the street, for the safety of children, spectators, and participants.

    Back to top
  • Can my entry include horses or dogs (or other animals)?

    Yes. It is the responsibility of the person owning (or using) the horses, dogs or other animals to provide their own cleanup crew. If someone is not present to clean up after the animals, the entry will be disqualified from the parade and taken out of the lineup.

    Back to top
  • How do I get information to participate in the parade?

    Contact the Office of University Events:

    • Call: 717-871-5926
    • Email: parade@millersville.edu
    • Mailing Address:
      Office of University Events
      c/o Millersville Parade
      P.O. Box 1002
      Millersville, PA 17551-0302
    Back to top
  • How can my business or I financially contribute to the parade?

    There are a variety of ways you can financially support the Millersville Parade.

    1. BECOME A SPONSOR. The Parade is now accepting Sponsorships. Due to the earlier than usual date for the event in 2024, the deadline to complete your sponsorship is August 1, 2024 for timely inclusion in marketing and publicity materials.

    2. DONATE! Donations are received all-year long. Please select the "Millersville Parade" from the drop-down menu to appropriately direct your gift.

    3. ENTER the parade!  If you are a for-profit organization or business, you can register to enter the parade for a cost of $175.00.
    Back to top