Arrangements are already in the works for next year's edition of the Palmerton Halloween Parade.

The 21st annual event, held this past Sunday, was extremely successful, said Susan Arner, parade chairperson.As a result, Arner said members of the Palmerton Halloween Parade Committee, as well as the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, wished to thank all the participants, as well as the sponsors, who helped make this year's parade a success."The parade continues due to the volunteers who organize the parade, and those who volunteer to plan, build, and create the great entries you see in the parade," Arner said. "Now that the parade is over, the committee wants to take the opportunity to thank those who are the parade sponsors, as their generosity helps make the parade successful."The parade committee consists of: Susan Arner; Larry Arner; Kelli Arner; Paul Hoppel; Brandon O' Donnell; Tammy Recker; Glenn Sheckler; Jerry Robertson; and Rich Whiteman.The sponsors for this year's parade were: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kern; Sheas Hardware Inc; Palmerton Area Service Club; Francis X Mullane Inc; Charley Brown Nursery School; Pool Pals of Palmerton Memorial Park; First Niagara Bank; Country Harvest Family Market; George I Larose Insurance; Don Laine Campground Palmerton Lions Club; Hager Furniture Company; TK Thomas Funeral Home; JAS Hospitality Carbon Surgical Assoc.; Julian James Advertising Berts Steakhouse; My Store; Palmerton Auto Parts; Shulman and Shabbick; Turko Specialty Advertising; Tumble with Denise; Szoke Iron Works; and The Village at Palmerton.Arner also praised parade judges Louise Koons, Susie George, and Connie Reinhart, whom she said have a difficult task; thanked Tammy Recker, who served as emcee of the parade; as well as the students - who are all members of the Palmerton Junior High School National Junior Honor Society under the advisement of Brad Landis - who carried the UVO Banner and the division signs in the parade; and added Fire Police from Palmerton, Lower Towamensing Township, Towamensing Township, and Bowmanstown also assisted.Arner said it is anticipated that next year candy will be distributed only by persons walking along the street, rather than from the floats or vehicles themselves."This decision has happened due to the large number of people in the street to pick up candy affecting the safety of so many," she said. "This type of unsafe situation cannot continue, and we do not want to be mourning someone's life or injuries at the conclusion of the parade."Arner added the committee is always opens for ideas or suggestions.Anyone who would like to volunteer at next year's parade are urged to contact any committee member.