Creativity and community pride took center stage Sunday afternoon as floats, cheerleaders, dancers and costumed groups filled the streets for the 34th annual Palmerton Halloween Parade.

Sunny skies and mild fall temperatures greeted a large crowd lining the streets to see hundreds of participants march in one of the borough’s most popular traditions.

The Palmerton Booster Club once again shined in the large float category, with its Flag Cheer and Rookie Cheer groups sharing “Best Overall” honors for their “Wicked” and “Back to the 80s” themes. The Booster Club Varsity Football team also earned “Best Appearing Bomber Float” for its “Crazy Train” entry.

Parade judge Tammy Recker said this year’s turnout reflected the town’s Halloween spirit.

“Today was picture perfect,” Recker said. “A true testament of the Halloween tradition that never disappoints. The streets were lined up with people celebrating people. Teamwork, fun, creativity and the love of our community was seen and felt here in Palmerton.”

Country Junction claimed first place among large floats with its “Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival,” followed by the Hungarian Club Auxiliary’s “Scooby Doo and the Hungarian Mystery Machine.” Third place was a tie between Zottarelli Home Improvements and the Palmerton Booster Club Competition Flag Football team for “Hulkamania.”

Honorable mentions included Bethany Wesleyan Church’s “Jesus Changes Us from the Inside Out,” Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Racing, Times News, several Booster Club teams, and others.

In the small float division, Cub Pack 209’s “Take Me To Your Leader” earned “Best Overall.” Stahler Brothers took first place with “Keeping You Clean,” and the Palmerton Booster Club Rookie Football team followed with its “Marvel vs. DC” float. Honorable mentions went to Palmerton VFW’s “USA Proud,” Hampton Lanes, Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol, and Pyro Joe.

The top costumed walking group was Cartesion Dance Academy for its “Hocus Pocus” routine.

Among non-costumed walking groups, Palmerton Junior High Cheer earned first, followed by Palmerton High School Varsity Cheer and Tumble With Denise’s “Flipping Out For Halloween.”

Honorable mentions went to Palmerton High School Girls Wrestling, Mountain Karate Academy, Palmerton Boys Soccer, and PathStone Head Start.

Automotive winners included Krebs Auto Detailing, which took first place for decorated vehicles, and St. Luke’s Palmerton Care Now, which earned the top non-decorated spot for its “Healthcare Heroes” entry.

Along Delaware Avenue, families applauded as floats rolled by tossing candy to those lining the streets. Mark Davis, who brought his children from Bowmanstown, said the parade never disappoints.

“The creativity gets better every year,” Davis said. “You can tell how much work everyone puts in. The kids loved the Scooby Doo float — they’re still talking about it.”

Kelly Andrews, a Palmerton native now living in Lehighton, said the parade is a must-see tradition.

“No matter where life takes me,” she said, “I always come back for this parade. It’s small-town magic — you just can’t beat it.