Missing was the usual energetic, boisterous emotion that typically fills the streets each October.

In its place was a collective silence, so much so, a reminder of the stifling impact of COVID-19.

The pandemic caused organizers of various Halloween parades in Carbon County to shelve their respective parades.

Look no further than Palmerton, which was set to conduct its 29th annual Halloween rendition on Oct. 19.

But, upon discussing the prospect with the borough and Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, the event was nixed.

Just a few miles away, neighboring Jim Thorpe met the same fate after the Jim Thorpe Lions Club parade committee called off the borough’s 26th annual parade that had been scheduled for Oct. 24.

Rather than outright cancel its parade which had been scheduled to stop off on Oct. 10, Lehighton opted to postpone what would have been its 50th annual Halloween Parade until next year.

Similarly, organizers of several Halloween parades in Schuylkill County were dealt the same blow.

Andreas opted to forego its 70th annual Halloween Parade was scratched.

Likewise, Tamaqua had to put the kibosh to what would have been its 54th annual event originally scheduled for Oct. 27 once the Tamaqua Lions Club decided to forego the event.

The only other time Tamaqua’s parade was canceled was due to a snowstorm.

It was no different for municipalities in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

What would have been the 113th annual Northern Lehigh Halloween Parade was put off after the Northern Lehigh Events Committee opted to cancel the parade that would have been held on Oct.

In its place was a “Haunt Your House” decorating contest.

Though it was difficult to put their highly-anticipated parades on the back burner, organizers arrived at the same conclusion.

They agree it was the smart decision, and pledge to make next year’s Halloween parades undeniable attractions.