The theme for the 71st annual Halloween Parade in Andreas should be “The Show Must Go On.”

The parade was almost canceled after it was determined they needed a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Then earlier in the day Wednesday, all schools in the Tamaqua School District were put on lockdown due to a threat to the schools.

Because classes and other extracurricular activities were canceled, several school organizations had to drop out of the parade.

“They cannot say that it’s OK for the band or the drama club to be in the parade, but the kids can’t have their event at the schools,” explained parade announcer, Karissa Brothers. “It’s either all or nothing.”

The parade went on as scheduled, with Bryan and Sharon Miller as grand marshals. Bryan is a lifelong resident of West Penn Township, and both are owners of Bryan Miller Trucking of Andreas.

West Penn Police Chief James Bonner led the parade.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5069 provided the color guard. The VFW, one of the parade sponsors, is one of the oldest organizations to march in the Andreas Halloween parade.

Other entries in the parade included a float “Medieval West Penn” by Lorah Property Repair; Carbon County Fair Queen Kiersten Gursky and Junior Miss Morgan Meyers, in a horse-drawn carriage by Crystal View Carriage Service; Mahoning Valley Community 4-H; West Penn Cub Pack and Boy Scout Troop 756, with a float “Scouting is Out of This World”; Jamie Barton, candidate for 124th District Representative.

Also, Ghost Busters Car by Daniel Tyson; Tina Burns, candidate for 124th District Representative; Bank Robbers in a 1937 Packard, by Michael Kistler; Gombert Family Games with their train ride and bounce house; Dukes of Hazzard Float; 1938 Plymouth Coup; Northern Keystone Towning & Recovery; and West Penn Township Farmall Cub 1947 tractor and West Penn Lions.

The parade was sponsored by The Andreas Sporting Club, West Penn Lions, and VFW Post 5069. The announcer was Karissa Brothers; and the judges were Becky Neumoyer, Tina Dougherty, and Elaine Zeigler. The West Penn Fire Company sold food in front of Dean R. Arner’s Auction building.