As the time of year marches on, South Williamsport, for more than 70 years, has shared with neighboring communities sort of a kick-off leading up to the fun and excitement of Halloween.

The Mummers Parade brings community groups, high school marching bands out to meet children and families lining the borough’s streets.

Throughout the end of October, many other trunk-or-treats, parades, fall festivals and other regional traditions of our neighborhoods and communities will offer more fun and more excitement.

We believe all of Lycoming County should appreciate the organizers and volunteers who keep the South Williamsport Mummers Parade going, and other community groups, churches and civic organizations whose hard work will offer families in every corner of our region the fun that makes celebrating holidays such a joyful and meaningful experience in our lives.

Some organizations have built these rich traditions with a dedicated team of volunteers — and some are finding that to continue these occasions that make life in Lycoming County and surrounding communities special, they need more volunteers to take the proverbial baton.

We hope that in all of the fun, and in all the excitement our children are enjoying, families can both appreciate the hard work of volunteers responsible for the fun and find their own role in ensuring that the excitement can continue for next year’s and next decade’s children.