Almost on cue, rainy skies gave way to sunshine as the Palmerton Halloween Parade kicked off Sunday following a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Palmerton Booster Club’s rookie and flag football teams claimed the top prize in the large float category with their “Donut Mess With the Bombers” theme. Kids dressed up as bakers sat atop the float adorned with the familiar Dunkin’ logo and colors, as well as multiple inflatable doughnuts.

“This year’s parade had some of the best entries,” said Tammy Recker, parade announcer and one of its judges. “I’ve been announcing for quite some time now, at least 10 years, and this year people truly outdid themselves. The creativity and the talent makes everyone a winner.”

First place for small floats also went to the Palmerton Booster Club and its flag football cheerleaders for their “Welcome to the Bomber Pumpkin Patch” theme.

Crowds lined up along the parade route Sunday to celebrate the parade’s 30th anniversary.

“I think it’s wonderful we have it back this year,” said Tracy Roberts, who watched along Lafayette Avenue. “It lifts everyone’s spirits and it is always well-done. I really enjoy watching it.”

Candy was once again in abundant supply as youngsters scrambled along sidewalks to scoop up their favorite treats.

“I like all the chocolate,” 6-year-old Toby Wagner said following the parade. “I really liked when I got a KitKat.”

Palmerton Booster Club junior varsity cheerleaders opted for the popular Halloween movie “Hocus Pocus” theme to earn second place for large floats, followed by varsity booster club cheerleaders with a “Bombers Groovin’ Through the ’70s” in third place.

Honorable mention went to Booster Club’s rookie cheerleaders’ “Brewing Up Bomber Spirit,” St. John Neumann School’s “Catch the Buzz: St. John Neumann is a Hive of Activity,” Booster Club varsity football “Root for the Bombers,” and Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Race Club’s “Night at the Races.”

For small floats, Off The Charts Music School’s “The Spooky Charts,” came in second place. Honorable mention went to Mountain Karate Academy’s “Monsters Aren’t Real, But Bullies Are,” and Carbon County Savages’ “Football is our Thing.”

St. John’s United Church of Christ Sunday School was awarded best costumed group for its “Ms. Amy’s Pumpkin Patch” theme. Honorable mention went to Girl Scout Troop 301’s “The Fear of the Purge,” and Girl Scout Troop 3354’s “The Future is Us.”

Palmerton Junior High cheerleaders took home top prize for a noncostumed group, followed by Dance With Kim representatives in second.

Booster Club’s junior varsity football team earned the day’s most patriotic honors with its “JV Salutes Our Heroes” theme. Honorable mention went to Palmerton VFW.

The Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches collected nonperishable food donations along the parade route to be donated to the Palmerton food pantry.

If anyone missed the opportunity to donate during the parade, Country Harvest will have a cart with the CACPAC sign on it until Oct. 31 where donations can be left.