On Wednesday night the Andreas Halloween Parade was rained out. Thursday night it was rained on.

Despite poor weather conditions, a large crowd attended the march that featured marching Legos, creative floats, antique cars, firetrucks, and a lot of candy for the young spectators.The parade was hosted by the West Penn Lions and Lioness Club and the Andreas Sporting Club.Parade announcer Bob Neumoyer said he has been to many Halloween parades in Andreas, "and I don't ever remember it raining this hard."The rain lasted for about half the parade. After that, it turned cloudy with occasional drizzle.The weather did cause some groups to cancel.The Tamaqua Area High School Marching Band showed up for the event, but chose not to march because of the heavy rain. So did the Gloria Dillon School of Dance and the Carbon County Fair Queen and its horse escort.The grand marshal was lifelong Andreas resident Wayne Troxell. Usually the grand marshal rides in an open convertible, but for obvious reasons the shiny red car in which Troxell rode had the roof closed.Troxell is a retired truck driver. For years he was active in the former Andreas Fire Company, Penn Mahoning Ambulance and presently is involved with West Penn Fire Company.He and his wife, the former Kathryn Weaver, will be married for 60 years in December.Despite the weather, viewers and participants seemed to be having fun.Emma Koch of Tamaqua and Amilia McArdle of Andreas, both 8, shared an umbrella and held buckets to collect candy tossed by the paraders.Not only did they throw packets of candy, but the Ben Salem Youth Group handed out Freeze Pops to go with their winter wonderland float."I'm having a great time," said Keri Gallipson of Pottsville. "It's a fun parade. I've been here a few times before and I'm glad the rain didn't stop it."Sherry Smith of Tamaqua was sympathetic. "Imagine those kids who wore makeup," she said. "Some I'm sure had their floats ruined if they used paper for decorations.""I'm enjoying it and my hat's off to those who are taking part," she said.It was obvious a lot of hard work went into the costumes and floats.Lehighton Girl Scout Daisy Troop 38 marched as puppets, using the theme "no strings can hold us down.""Give a hoot, don't pollute" was the message by Lehighton Brownie Troop 386, with members dressed as owls.The Ben Salem Youth Group float was elegant, with bright lights and a life-size photo of a caribou.West Penn Girl Scouts rode on a float as Legos.Of course, it's Halloween so there were some monsters and strange creatures in the parade. Cub Pack 756 had a "Zombie Jamboree" float.Numerous fire departments had apparatus in the parade as did some ambulance corps.One car club featured eight street rods. The street cars were in memory of Keith Stahler of West Penn Township, who died last month. Stahler owned a street car and participated in many events.Afterward, the parade participants were treated to refreshments at the Andreas Sporting Club.