Tamaqua’s annual procession of all things bizarre, spooky and unusual has returned.

The 55th Annual Tamaqua Halloween Parade hit the streets Wednesday and attracted thousands to downtown.

The cavalcade of the creepy, sponsored by the Tamaqua Lions Club, was canceled last year due to a pandemic. This year, it was postponed a day due to rain.

But spectators said you can’t keep a good ghost down. And since it was the first Halloween parade in two years, some in the crowd were seeing it for the first time.

“She’ll probably like the candy or the music,” said Anthony Fritz of Tamaqua, as he waited for the parade’s arrival with 20-month-old daughter Peyton Hartranft.

Nearby, Carter Stopp, 10 months, of Coaldale, enjoyed his first-ever Halloween stroll.

“He likes the trucks,” said mother Autumn Stopp.

Many dressed in costume simply to watch the parade.

“It’s fun to have a ball like this. I like to dress up,” said Jennifer Owen of Tamaqua.

Owen chose to dress as standout redhead Merida from “Brave,” Walt Disney Pictures’ computer-animated fantasy film.

The four-division, 90-minute event featured a variety of individual spooks, along with floats, music, youth groups, businesses and organizations.

Entries filled the Route 209 promenade from the former Jamesway Shopping Center to the town’s west end.

Spectators started gathering as early as 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. step-off.

“It’s always one of the best parades around,” said Kelley Sheer of Hazleton.

Volunteers from the Tamaqua Wireless Association coordinated the pacing of the parade, working in tandem with Tamaqua Fire Police and others.

Many of the marchers and those riding on floats tossed candy to eager youngsters.

As usual, elaborate, lighted floats stole the show, along with performances by dance troupes.

The judges’ stand was located in the center of the 100 block of West Broad Street where radio personality Kim Noel of WMGH served as master of ceremonies.

The event is sponsored by volunteers of the Tamaqua Lions Club and is one of the largest evening events of the year in eastern Schuylkill County.

The judges were Sherri Compton, Jen Stianche, Jamie Bernitsky and Maureen Donovan.

The Elks Club expressed appreciation to St Luke’s as grand marshal in honor of all front-line workers. Corporate sponsor was Mauch Chunk Trust.

The Elks also expressed gratitude to Polka Joe Manjack, Morning Chick Kim Noel, Blue Ridge Cable, Tamaqua Wireless Association, Tamaqua Rescue Squad and Tamaqua Fire Police.

Winners

Best Float

1. Andreas Silicone

2. Tamaqua Area Youth Soccer Association

3. Outlaw Tree & Landscaping Service LLC

Best Marching

1. The Dance Factory

2. Tamaqua High School Raider Marching Band

3. Tamaqua Knee High Cheerleading

Best Overall

1. Cub Scout Pack 756

2. Highwood USA

3. Open Gate Ranch /JG Equine