The Lehighton Parade Committee is working hard planning the 45th annual Lehighton Halloween Parade set to take the streets on Oct. 17.

Julie Harris, the chairwoman of the parade, extended the deadline to Oct. 10 for parade participants to register. Everybody who wants to be in the parade must register so that the parade committee can organize the groups.Anyone from bands, clubs, and businesses to families, Scouts and sports groups can register for the event. Harris said they usually have about 75 groups averaging more than 1,000 people in the parade."I'm hoping this year's parade will be larger than last year's parade," she said. "Every year, we get some new groups."Last year, a local haunted house troupe was well-received as they walked in the parade. Other groups include the Rotary, local fire departments, the Shriners and the Yuengling horses - to name a few.Those interested in registering can pick up a form at several businesses.These include: Zimmerman's Dairy; Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Lehighton Branch; Larry Markley Nationwide Insurance, Lehighton Borough building; Dance With Kim; Carbon County Music and More; and Cypress Lanes bowling alley.It's free to register, but donations are always accepted."The parade is strictly run on donations," Harris said. "Anyone who would like to donate can donate any amount."Donations and registrations can be mailed to Lehighton Parade Committee, P.O. Box 241, Lehighton, PA 18235.Harris said the donations go toward expense and cash prizes. The amount of those prizes depends on the donations.The parade will begin at 4 p.m., she said. If it rains, then the parade will be moved to 2 p.m. on Oct. 18, which is the next day.