Excuse this year's Palmerton Halloween Parade if it tends to have a nostalgic feel to it.

Perhaps it's only just, then, that the Palmerton Area Historical Society has been selected as grand marshal for the 21st annual event.The parade, sponsored by the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday. The rain date is 7 p.m. Monday.Betsy Burnhauser, a member of the Palmerton Area Historical Society, said the organization was privileged to be chosen for the distinction."The society is delighted to have been chosen Grand Marshal of the annual Halloween Parade," Burnhauser said. "We are proud to think that we have made a positive contribution to the area that is worthy of this honor."Because this year marks the Centennial Celebration of the borough's incorporation, Susie Arner, parade chairperson, added "it is only fit, and very deserving that we have chosen this fine group to lead the parade.""Their work to promote the integrity of the Palmerton area, and educate the public on the rich heritage of this area, is outstanding," Arner said. "They do an excellent job at the Heritage Center with their work, and in so many other ways."The parade will form at 2:30 p.m. There will be no parking along the parade route in the 600 and 700 blocks of Franklin Avenue, from Seventh Street from Delaware to Franklin, and from the 800 blocks of Franklin and Lafayette Avenue.It will start at Seventh Street and Delaware Avenue, where it will go up to Delaware to Third Street, and then turn left onto Franklin. It will continue to Second Street, and turn right on Second Street to Lafayette Avenue, where it will turn right and continue to Seventh Street, where it will disband.For best viewing of the parade, Arner suggested spectators may want to sit above the Convenient Store area, as the formation of the parade is somewhat on Delaware Avenue, and vehicles will be along the curb at the far end of the 600 block of Delaware Avenue.Parents are reminded to keep their children at the curb to receive candy so that they don't run out into the street to pick it up, Arner said. There are no bicycles allowed in the street during the parade as well, she said.Arner said the parade committee is always in need of volunteers to assist with traffic control, registration, street closings and other jobs.Any person or group who would like to participate in the parade should contact Arner at 610-826-7515 to request a registration form and leave their mailing address. There is no fee to register.