Live music, floats by community groups, costumed participants and fire apparatus will all be featured during the annual Elverson Parade set for Wednesday, Oct. 16. The parade, which will begin to assemble on South Pine Street at 6 p.m., will step off promptly at 7 p.m. and travel along Route 23 through the borough. This year's theme is "Advance to Go, Elverson! Celebrating Our Favorite Board Games."

Organizers expect to see costumes depicting games like Monopoly and checkers. "It's always interesting to see what people come up with. I love their creativity," said Elverson Mayor Esther Prosser, a member of the parade committee.

Music will be a highlight of the parade. Scheduled to perform this year are members of the Twin Valley Middle and High School marching bands, the Owen J. Roberts High School marching band and, new this year, the Pottsgrove Middle School marching band.

"Johnny Barnett, who does country music, will play from 6 to 7 p.m. in advance of the parade at the Elverson Supply parking lot (101 E. Main St.)," noted Prosser. "ReMix Dance students will end the parade."

Fire trucks from local fire companies, including Twin Valley Fire Department (TVFD), will also be featured. "The fire truck from Twin Valley comes through first (to start the parade). (Fire trucks) make for a good parade," said Prosser, adding that TVFD fire police will help with traffic control throughout the event.

Route 23 will be closed during the parade, and after 6 p.m., drivers may only enter South Pine Street via Route 401.

Food will be available to purchase along the parade route. The Windy Hill Farm to Table food truck will be located at the old train station, 50 E. Main St. The Yellow Door taco stand will be located at 10 E. Main St., and a funnel cake truck will be stationed on the west end of town at Shear Heaven Hair Salon, 70 W. Main St.

Elverson T-shirts will be for sale next to the farm-to-table food truck.

Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to complete a registration form available at http://www.elversonboro.org. The registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 14.

Prior to the parade, registrants will be notified by email of their assembly spot number, which designates their position in the parade. Markers will be placed along South Pine Street to help participants find their positions.

Parking for parade participants will be at Livingood Park (both east and west lots), the former National Penn Bank, Elverson Borough Hall and Brick Lane Community Church. Parking will not be available at Elverson Fitness Club, A-Z Urgent Care, Family Medical Center - Heritage or along South Pine Street.

In lieu of a judge's stand, all participants are asked to perform at four locations along the parade route - Elverson Supply, Elverson United Methodist Church, at the intersection of Routes 82 and 23 and Shear Heaven Hair Salon. After registering, participants will receive a map of the parade route and their assembly number via email.

For more information about the parade, visit the previously mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/elversoncommunity. Those with questions may email Prosser at esther@stoltzfus.com.