As evidenced by Summit Hill’s Memorial Day parade on Monday, things are finally getting back to normal following the lengthy COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

Throngs of people lined the parade route for the three-division march on Monday.

Mayor Jeffrey Szczecina said efforts are being made to return the parade to a five or six division line of march as it had been in past years but recovery is still occurring.

He said research was done on the origin of Summit Hill’s parade and although it’s unknown when the first one occurred it has been an event for about 80 years.

Despite the parade being slightly smaller than pre-pandemic parades, spectators liked what they saw.

Ed Altemose of Summit Hill said, “I think the parade is very good this year.” He said he would like to see it not only continue, but to grow, because, “We’ve got to have it to honor our veterans.”

The parade began at Ludlow Park when the Grand Marshal, Ret. Lt. Col. John McFadden, signaled the start by ringing the old Summit Hill High School bell. Overseeing this were Szczecina and Robert Crampsie of the Summit Hill Memorial Day Parade committee.

Summit Hill Chief of Police Robert Woodward led the marchers with his police cruiser, followed by members of the Summit Hill American Legion Post 316.

McFadden, one of the highest-ranking commissioned officers from the local area, is a native of Summit Hill.

He graduated from Marian Catholic High School in 1970 and served in the U.S. Army for 24 years.

Poppy Queen Ava Alabovitz, age 10, also rode at the front of the parade in a convertible.

The Panther Valley Jr. ROTC was well represented with 32 members in the line of march.

Panther Valley, Jim Thorpe and Shenandoah high school bands participated.

Music was also provided by The Crew Moses, who played on a float by the Summit Hill Hootenanny.

The McKay Pipe Band of Bethlehem played bagpipes as members marched.

Acoustic guitarist and vocalist Dave Matsinko of Lehighton also offered selections.

Members of three Panther Valley Fire Departments - Summit Hill, Coaldale and Lansford - enjoined as marchers while accompanied by nearly a dozen pieces of fire apparatus. Seven other fire departments had vehicles in the parade.

Well represented were Panther Valley youth sports teams including baseball, softball and soccer. Over 100 youths marched or road on vehicles along the parade route.