An estimated 25,000 residents and visitors to Lehighton were on hand to greet participants in the annual Four-County Firemen’s Parade held in the community.

James M. Beisel, general chairman, and Norman Schneck, parade chairman, called the event the “largest, greatest and best” parade held in the 69-year history of the firemen’s association.

The parade was colorful with many musical organizations in the line of march, playing snappy marches along the route, with 2,250 men and woman in the line of march. The parade featured 64 pieces of firefighting equipment and 33 vehicles of other types.

Mayor Albert U. Koch is the outgoing president of the association, while Corvin D. Solt is its president-elect.