For as long as anyone can remember, his voice has been synonymous with the Palmerton Halloween Parade.

It's only fitting, then, that Steven Vlossak, a lifelong resident of Palmerton, has been named grand marshal of the 18th annual event.The parade will be held Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. The rain date is Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.Vlossak, who has served as emcee of the parade for many years, said he was pleased to learn of the distinction."I was surprised when I heard," Vlossak said. "The parade is always very enjoyable, especially watching the younger people putting on their dances and skits."An attorney for 30 years with his own office at 423 Delaware Avenue, Vlossak said the parade is always a real treat to observe."It's always a fun time," he said. "You can see the children are enjoying it."Susie Arner, parade chairwoman, said Vlossak was a natural selection for the honor."After considering a few candidates for grand marshal, it is a pleasure to announce Steve Vlossak as the person that was chosen," Arner said. "Steve is truly a dedicated community individual who deserves recognition for his service to Palmerton and to his country. He volunteers willingly and does so with a sense of pride and dedication."Further proof of that was evident in June when Vlossak, who served in the United States Army from 1968-70, was one of several Carbon County residents to be recognized as Mauch Chunk Trust Company's 2009 Community Heroes.His years of volunteer service to the community reads like a who's who list: American Legion Post No. 269; Vietnam Veterans of Carbon County; Palmerton VFW Post 7134; Carbon County Veterans Day Parade; Servicemen Care Packages & Holiday Greetings; Ombudsman for Employer Support Group for Guardsman & Reservists; Eucharistic Minister; CYO basketball coach; Palmerton Booster Club assistant basketball coach; Palmerton July 4 Stay-at-Home Festival; and Palmerton High School Mock Trial adviser.Vlossak has been married to his wife of 38 years, Edwina. Together, they have six children and two grandchildren.The parade will form at 2:30 p.m. There will be no parking along the parade route in the 600 and 700 block of Franklin Ave., and from Seventh Street from Delaware to Franklin Ave.Arner said the committee is looking for volunteers on the day of the parade to assist with division lineups, traffic control, registrations, and donation collecting."In order to continue this event, we truly need community support for just this one day for a few hours," she said.Those interested in assisting can contact Arner at 610-826-7515. Also, anyone with last minute registrations may contact her as well.The parade will start at Seventh Street and Delaware Avenue, where it will make a right onto Third Street. From there, it will turn left onto Franklin Avenue, and continue onto Mauch Chunk Road to Walnut Street in the area of the car wash, where it will disband.Arner also said the committee is always in search of musical participants to perform in the parade. The judging stand will be located at Borough Hall, she said.She said adult members of the boy scouts of Palmerton will be accepting donations along the parade route. Contributions may also be sent to the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, 410 Delaware Ave.Safety is also of concern, and Arner cautioned parents to keep their children back behind the curb when picking up candy.Any groups interested in or planning on selling items such as food or novelties along the parade route need to notify Arner or the secretary at the police department to be registered, she said.However, only those groups that are registered will be allowed to sell things, she said. Arner also asked that those who pick up parade participants at the end of the parade should use Princeton Avenue.