On a beautiful, 60-degree Saturday afternoon in Jim Thorpe, the streets were filled with sunshine, smiles, and sweet treats for the 29th Annual Halloween Parade sponsored by the Jim Thorpe Lions Club.

Leading the first division, County Commissioner Mike Sofranko headed the ceremonies as grand marshal in a red Ford Mustang Convertible.

He expressed appreciation for the Lions Club, its members, and their production efforts to make this parade day run so smoothly.

In tow, were the Lions Club members and their van-style float, gleefully passing out candy to eager costume-clad parade-goers.

Jim Thorpe’s emergency responders were on full display as the Jim Thorpe Police Department and Jim Thorpe Fire Departments made their presence felt with lights, sirens, and candy.

Parade Judge John Bilsak said he feels a deep sense of pride in his neighborhood. Having been a judge for the last 24 years, he said he looks forward to parade day, seeing the floats, costumes, and the smiles it brings to the community.

“Parades are a very big deal to our community. I vividly remember attending them as a kid,” Bilsak said. Now being able to participate in the fun, he feels a deep sense of connection to his community.

Mary Kaye Mulligan-Lesisko and Tom Lesisko, also judges, were appreciative of the community members, and the parade organizers and the work they put into the day. “It’s such a fun day, it’s great to see our community come together. Everyone works so hard on their floats and the kids get so excited!”

Jim Thorpe National Bank hosted a “Boo-tiful Thing!” float along with staff and their children.

County Junction’s float which featured a small barn with barnyard animals and a lot of bubbles came in first place for the “Best Float” category.

As the firetruck sirens got quiet, the Jim Thorpe High School Cheerleaders and the Jim Thorpe High School Halloween Band filled the air with some spooky tunes and dancing as they performed in front of the 9th Street Onoko Fire and Rescue station. Their efforts earned them a first place in the “Best Group” category.

Division 2 was highlighted by the 2024 Carbon County Fair Queen Jocelyn Matola and 2024 and Junior Miss Carbon County Daphne Gowin driven by Modern Touch General Contracting.

The Hawk Mountain Highlanders were in full regalia entertaining patrons with their bagpipes and drum procession.

Following along next was the group from the Girl Scout Service Unit 309 with their theme of “Girl Scouts Have Character.”

Mason’s Cold Beer, from Jim Thorpe, celebrated “The Highlife and Mr. Peanut” in their pickup truck piled high with beer case boxes on the back.

Jukebox Cruisers Car Club provided some horsepower and a touch of class with their vintage car displays.

Rounding out the parade and leading the third division, were the first place “Most Original” category from the Olympian Booster Club.

The “Scream Team” from the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company won second place in “Best Float” and “Best Group” categories for their efforts.

The Forks of Delaware “Tin Lizzies” and their Shriner’s Model T Ford replicas paced the streets and happily passed out candy to every child.

Following up were the third-place winners in the “Best Float” category from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their “Giving Machine” float.

Rounding out the final group, Rocky Meckes and the “Tractor Club” showed off their antique tractor display; Front Line Graphics hosted a float.

Before the day’s end, Santa made an appearance to check on all the good “Boos and Ghouls” to make sure they were behaving and rewarding them with goodies.

Pam McElmoyle, president of the Lions Club, and chairman of the parade was elated that the day went smoothly.

“The spectators were friendly, supportive, and always thankful. We appreciate Mr. Sofranko for being a big supporter of the Lions Club and our community.”

She thanked Police Chief Joe Schatz and the Penn Forest Fire Police for help with the parade.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Jim Thorpe Fire Department, Jim Thorpe Police and the Community Watch team, Carbon County Sheriff Dan Zeigler, and the Lehighton Ambulance; as well as Front Line Graphics, and the Jim Thorpe Sportsman Club were all in the year’s parade.

Winners were:

Best Group

1: Jim Thorpe High School Band

2: Jim Thorpe Trolley

3: Rocky Meckes Tractor Club

Best Float

1: Country Junction

2: Jim Thorpe Trolley

3: Latter Day Saints

Most Original

1: Olympian Booster Club

2: Country Junction

3: Cub Pack 138 Knights and Dragons