The 51st annual Lehighton Area Halloween Parade was one of the largest parades held in Lehighton in years.

The six-division parade took over an hour to pass, with virtually no gaps and few stops.

The success of it was due to fantastic weather conditions (temperatures in the low 70s during the duration), the diminished COVID concerns, large participation by the community and early planning by the Lehighton Area Halloween Parade Committee.

Bankers, race car drivers, firefighters, orthodontists, church groups, Scout units and dance studios all were part of the line of march.

Spectator Shirley Rodgers of Lehighton said after the parade, “It was excellent. I enjoyed the big variety.”

“It was very family oriented.”

Her husband, Lamont Rodgers, agreed, saying, “There were a lot of people out watching it. It was a good day for it.”

For the children, the biggest excitement was seeing how much candy they could collect as several groups in every division tossed peanut butter cups, Tootsie Rolls, lollipops and other goodies to them.

Many of the spectators brought their pet dogs, some in costume. The marchers were ready with a wide assortment of treats for the four-legged friends.

“I think my dog got more than my son did,” said Mercy Daniels as she reached in her pocket and pulled out some of the doggy treats.

Veteran leads parade

The grand marshal was World War II veteran Cornelius “Connie” McHugh, who turns 101 later this month.

McHugh, a native of Summit Hill, enlisted in the military the day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He was living in Bethlehem at the time and his brother already was a Marine.

“On the 8th of December, on I got on a trolley car, went to Allentown and joined the Marines,” he said in an earlier interview. He was called to duty in January 1942.

After basic training and technical weapons training, he served on several islands in the South Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Guam.

Following World War II, McHugh worked as a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel for more than 34 years before retiring. He also drove a school bus for more than 15 years before and during retirement.

His community service includes being a member of the American Legion Post 314 in Lehighton for several decades; is a member of the Marine Corps League and the league’s Toys for Tots program; and is also a member of the V.F.W., Disabled American Vets, local fire companies, and various sportsmen’s clubs.

Along the route

Parade Chairman Julie Harris, who has been coordinator of the parade for well over two decades, walked along about half the route with a protective boot over her foot. She postponed scheduled surgery until after the parade to make sure everything went with the line of march as planned.

Two bands were featured in the parade.

In the first division, the 100-plus member Lehighton Area High School Band followed by the school’s cheerleaders.

Lehighton Area High School was also represented by its volleyball team, which rode on the back of a float, and its homecoming court.

Later, the Allentown Hobo Band delighted the spectators by wearing unique costumes as they played up-tempo music.

Car enthusiasts had a delightful day with three car clubs included in the parade. At least 50 cars were featured ranging from vehicles about 75 years old to recreational vehicles to cars such as Corvettes. Many of those cars were decorated for the season with spider webs, skeletons, weird creatures, etc. Some drivers, too, got in the spirit wearing Jason masks and other scary get-ups.

One of the most unique appearances was a strange figure sitting on a commode atop a pickup truck. This was put in the parade by George’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, which also had costumed marchers.

A lot of businesses were featured.

There was royalty. The Carbon County Fair had a float with Fair Queen Kiersten Gursky and Junior Miss Morgan Myers riding on it.

Harris, who has been chairman of the Parade Committee for 26 years and a member for 36 years, said, “With perfect parade day weather, a fully packed parade route of sidewalks, yards and porches of spectators enjoying over 67 units, and just over 1,500 parade participants …. that is what makes me feel good about what I do to bring a day of joy and entertainment to our town.

“I thank the judges, TV 13, Radio station Magic 105, Kevin O’Donnel and Brian Hoffner for announcing, parade beggars, division marshals, Mahoning Lions Club, Zimmerman’s Dairy, Lehighton Borough Manager Travers, Borough Council, Chief Sparich and most importantly the committee of Erin McGinley, secretary/treasurer; Ally McGinley, Todd Kriner, Larry Markley and Scott Rehrig.”