The 51st annual Lehighton Area Halloween Parade is at 4 p.m. Saturday. Rain date is 2 p.m. Sunday.

The parade begins at Seventh and Coal streets and makes its way down to the Third Street intersection, before making a right onto Mahoning Street and then a left onto Eighth Street, where it will disband at the Grove.

Cornelius “Corney” McHugh, of Lehighton, is the Grand Marshal.

McHugh, who will turn 101 later this month, grew up during the Great Depression in the coal mining town of Summit Hill.

Julie Harris, chairperson of the Lehighton Halloween Parade Committee, said McHugh was selected for the honor for his military and community service.

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, McHugh enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. in 1941.

After basic training and technical weapons training, he served on several islands in the South Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Guam.

Following World War II, McHugh worked primarily as a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel for more than 34 years before retiring. He also drove a school bus for more than 15 years before and during retirement.

His community service includes being a member of the American Legion Post 314 in Lehighton for several decades; is a member of the Marine Corps League and the league’s Toys for Tots program; and is also a member of the V.F.W., Disabled American Vets, local fire companies, and various sportsmen’s clubs.

Harris said the Wreaths Across America Program is participating in the parade.

She said the parade runs on donations. There is no entry fee.

Harris said the weather looks beautiful and she expects a good turnout.

Donations may be sent to the Lehighton Area Halloween Parade Committee, P.O. Box 241, Lehighton, PA, 18235.

Erin McGinley, parade secretary/treasurer, said who want to play can contact her until Friday evening at 570-807-4859, or erinmcginley31@yahoo.com.

Registration and division assignments will be held at Ninth and Coal streets starting at 2 p.m. Groups are not to meet in front of the registration table.

Each group must have a representative register in order to be eligible for a prize. All tractor-trailer floats must be in line by 3 p.m. If the rain date is needed, tractor-trailers must be in line by 1 p.m.

Paraders are reminded they are permitted to toss candy and gum to the viewers, but cannot stop and perform in front of the judge’s stand. No ATVs are allowed.