One of the largest witch-based festivals on the East Coast will be back for another run in Lehighton in the fall.

On a 5-1 vote, with one abstention, borough council on Monday approved the third annual Witches’ Midnight Market.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky voted against the measure, because she doesn’t like the idea of closing down First Street. Councilwoman Becky Worthy abstained from the vote.

The event was scheduled to run from 2 to 11 p.m. Oct. 25, with a rain date of Oct. 26.

Before the vote, Councilman John Kreitz said he was concerned about the event ending so late.

“I have a problem with the event,” Kreitz said. “We do have a noise ordinance.”

It was then noted that the curfew for the borough parks is 10 p.m.

Kreitz said he just wanted to be respectful of the time.

Another concern Kreitz shared was the closure of First Street while the event is underway.

“I don’t like it,” he said. “I think it’s a really bad idea.”

However, Tina Henninger, owner of Wine & More on First, said she wasn’t sure if they could successfully hold the event without the closure of First Street.

Borough fire Chief Pat Mriss said as long as there’s a passable lane for the fire department to get its largest apparatus to, he didn’t foresee a problem with the closure of First Street.

However, Abelovsky said she heard from other businesses that said the event is hindering their businesses.

But, Councilman Dave Zimmerman said that he believes the borough should back the event.

“I feel like other communities kind of shut down,” Zimmerman said. “I think for one day a year, we can support our downtown.”

Council said it would like to see the event wrap up by 10 p.m.

Street closures will occur on South Street, First Street, and Constitution Avenue.

Hosted by the Lehighton Area Merchants Association, the second annual event held in October brought in an estimated 10,000 people, and is the Lehighton Area Merchants Association’s largest festival.

The inaugural event held in 2023 brought in more than 7,000 people.