If you're walking through Millersville on Saturday, Oct. 22, and begin to question whether you've accidentally wandered into a zoo, don't be alarmed. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the annual Millersville parade will commence, and this year's theme is "Animal Kingdom."

"We're inviting parade entries to highlight animals and use that in their floats. We're also encouraging folks to walk in the parade with their pets and animals," said Victor DeSantis, chief of staff for president Daniel Wubah at Millersville University and parade coordinator. "We wanted to use the animal theme because it's so inclusive to so many types of organizations." Each Millersville parade traditionally has a new theme that recognizes different people or events, such as last year's "Hometown Heroes" theme, which recognized first responders and military personnel.

This year, the parade will alter its tradition of appointing a grand marshal to lead the parade. Normally, the honorary designation is given to a specific person who has made an impact in the area or left a legacy behind, such as a community leader or a university or political official, but this year the title will be given to all of the volunteers and donors who have made the parade successful for 25 years. "It takes up to 150 volunteers on parade day to make this happen," said DeSantis. "They donate their time and effort to coordinate traffic, carry banners, wear costumes and give out candy. There would be no parade without them." The parade is also entirely funded by private donations and sponsorships from individuals and businesses in the community.

The parade will begin at Penn Manor High School, 100 E. Cottage Ave., Millersville, and travel through the center of the borough before reaching its destination in front of the Student Memorial Center on George Street "One of the things that excites me the most about the parade is the support from the community," said DeSantis. "It has been the driving force for many years. People bring their kids and grandkids, and when I drive through the borough to set up the night before the parade, there will be folks who already have their chairs set up in anticipation." DeSantis said he expects upward of 15,000 spectators and participants this year.

The Millersville parade was started in 1997 to build a better relationship between Millersville University, Millersville Borough and the adjacent communities and townships. A quarter of a century later, it has grown into one of the largest parades in the area and draws participants from as far as Maryland. This year, the parade will feature multiple student and adult bands, including bands from Millersville University, the Penn Manor area, Dallastown, Middletown, the Conestoga Valley area and Perryville, Md.

For more information, visit http://www.millersville.edu/parade/.