Millersville Parade Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday, October 14, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

This parade begins at Penn Manor High School (off Cottage Ave.) as close as possible to 8:30 A.M. The parade usually reaches the Grandstand in front of the MU Student Memorial Center (S. George St.) at about 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).

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

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]

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.

Free parking is available in any of the Millersville University parking lots; all of which are only a short walking distance from the parade route, as well as borough streets where available and legal—except the parade route streets. There are very large parking lots behind the MU Student Memorial Center—near to the end of the parade route. Also, the Millersville Parade committee provides a continuous shuttle service from lots on James Street to the parade staging area at Penn Manor High School. 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.

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.

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, the parade will be canceled (no rain date). If the parade is canceled, you can get this information on the Parade website or by calling University Information: (717) 871-4636.

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.

Contact the parade committee at 717.871.5742 for additional information on job descriptions/duties. Volunteer information also available on the parade website.

The cost for participating in this year’s parade is free to most entrants except businesses (commercial and all for-profit) and political candidates who will be assessed $165 per vehicle/entry.

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.

Candy may be GIVEN OUT during the parade; however, it may only be handed out by individuals walking along the parade route. Candy (nor any other item) CANNOT BE THROWN from floats, cars or other parade entities. 

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.

Contact the Office of Community Engagement, Government and Economic Development:

• Call: 717.871.5742
• Email: parade@millersville.edu
• Mailing Address:
  Office of Community Engagement, Government & Economic Development
  P.O. Box 1002
  Millersville, PA 17551-0302

Contributions are received all-year long, but are requested to be paid by June 30 to assure full marketing benefits. Checks can be made payable to: Millersville University and forwarded to the above address. There are various sponsorship categories for gifts over $150. All gifts are greatly appreciated (cash or check).