GIRARD - Although there are a few more weeks left of summer, the Girard community will celebrate the sixth annual End of Summer parade on Saturday in the downtown area.
''The purpose of the parade is to bring the community together,'' said Joanne Sura, parade coordinator.
The parade will begin at 7 p.m. and will run from Stambaugh Street to Liberty Street on State Street. Leading the parade will be the Girard High School Band, along with the Girard Veterans Council Color Guard.
Also taking part will be floats and displays by local businesses, dance and baton groups, city athletic organizations, local fire and police departments and the Aut Mori Grotto clowns.
Sura said the parade is an opportunity for residents to get out and visit with their neighbors in the community.
''We used to have a homecoming years ago and there was a parade,'' Sura said. ''It's just a nice community activity and something fun to do.''
Sura began organizing the parade after meeting with Mayor James Melfi about seven or eight years ago, she said.
''We wanted to bring something positive back to the community,'' she said.
Sura, who single-handedly organizes and pulls the parade together each year, also credits the city for their part in the event. The police and other city departments are helpful in blocking the street and directing traffic, as well as cleaning up afterward, Sura said.
There is still time to take part in the parade, Sura said.
Any person, business or organization wishing to be involved in the festivities can call Sura at 330-545-0858.