Community members and organizations will unite for the annual Affton Days Pa-rade and Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20.

This year’s theme is “Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.”

The 1.9-mile parade begins at 10 a.m. at St. George Church at Gravois and Heege roads, and ends at the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center, 9801 Mackenzie Road. It will include music from local high school bands and the entries from various schools, churches, businesses, organizations, and others.

After the parade, the festival will offer activities for all ages to enjoy, including food, games, inflatable rides, a beer garden, and in the evening, a dance for young adults will take place in the gymnasium.

“We have a lot of great activities planned for the festival,” Affton Days Event Chair-man Terri Ems said. “I think we have a good mix that will appeal to children as well as their parents. The fire truck rides provided by the Affton Fire Department and the Climbing Wall are always some of the most popular activities at the festival. The new playground at the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center will be dedicated that day. A lot of the people pitch in to help out, but we are always looking for new people who want to help.”

Chamber members receive information in their newsletter and at meetings, about the benefits of sponsorships which give cost effective exposure to their business and build name recognition in the community.

The annual parade began in 1984 and has traveled over many different routes during those 19 years. The festival was added in 1993, being conducted at Affton High School until the festival was moved to the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center when the center opened in 1999.

The Affton Days Parade and Festival is sponsored by the Affton Chamber of Com-merce in cooperation with the St. Louis County Parks Department.

All the festivities for the Affton Days celebration depend on community support. Spots remain for the parade, food and game booths at the festival and sponsors.

Organizers say help is needed before and during the event. Anyone who is interested can call 843-1171 to leave a message. A volunteer will return the call.