Renee Slakoper said it best summing up the Halloween parade and party held Saturday afternoon in Lansford:

"Great weather. Great kids. Great show."The parade had four divisions. Afterwards, children were treated to refreshments in a party held on Ridge Street in the business section of the community.Slakoper was coordinator of the parade, which was sponsored by Lansford Alive. Judges were Bob Silver, Sue Solt and Robert Gaughan."It's for the kids and the kids always have a great time," summed up Slakoper of the day's events.The parade formed in the vicinity of the Lansford Pool parking lot, proceeded down Bertsch Street, and turned onto Tunnel where it ended at Ridge for the subsequent party.Leading the march was the Panther Valley High School Band. Members of the band joined in the Halloween fun by wearing costumes for the march, attired in a variety of characters including a Dalmatian, soldiers, witches, and even Raggedy Ann.The St. Gabriel Italian Club had a colorful float. Those riding the float tossed candy to parade viewers.An impressive float was by St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital. It was a large birthday cake, depicting the hospital's 100th. anniversary.One of the features of the Lansford Parade is the large participation of individual marchers. At least 50 youngsters - in some cases their parents, too - were in the line of march.The EGW Wrestlers were part of the parade, trading hammer locks and other wrestling moves as they made their way along the route. The obvious winners of the improptu and short matches were the parade viewers.Lansford and Coaldale police were included in the parade.So were the Coaldale, Lansford, and Summit Hill fire departments, with both Coaldale and Summit Hill units pulled at the start of the parade for emergency calls. Both fire companies returned in time to participate in the event.Slakoper said the parade was made possible through donations, including some from businesses and organizations.She said Ebony & Ivory provided the trolly car for the mayors of Panther Valley. Peter Radocha Trucking gave the flatbed that was used for a judging stand. The American Legion Post 123 assisted.Parade winners• Best Appearing Fire Company: Diligence Fire Company of Summit Hill.• Best Appearing Ambulance: Lansford.• Best Appearing Band: Panther Valley High School Band.• Best Appearing Float: Panther Valley Youth Soccer.• Best Appearing Classic Car: Alex Shereba & Son Driving 1957 Chevy.• Best Groups: Riders for Child Protection.• Most Original Costume: Zaundeer Bauer.• Prettiest Costume: Allison Slakoper.• Most Unique Costume: Kendra Kehrli.• Funniest Costume: Justin Kevenaar.• Ugliest Costume: Hannah Banditelli.• Scariest Costume: Brandon Velez.