Downtown Lehighton was alive with spooky good vibes on Saturday, as witches, warlocks, elves, ghouls and more gathered for the third annual Witches Night Market.

Tina Henninger, of the Lehighton Area Merchants Association, organized the event.

Henninger said the vibes at the event were “very authentic,” and those in attendance seemed to agree. Costumes were encouraged, as many attendees were decked out in their finest spooky season outfits.

About 150 merchants, a dozen food trucks, and several nonprofits set up stands around First Street and the surrounding blocks. Several bands played live music, and comedians performed stand-up. There was also a costume contest and spell quests.

Neil Stubits and fellow members of the Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance were selling 50/50 tickets and other games of chance, s’mores, and more.

“The crowd is great already, and it’s early. This is an awesome event to bring in profits for businesses and to gather our community,” Stubits said.

Zak Klotz, auxiliary president at the Lehighton Fire Company, said he and his fellow members were also pleased with the turnout and the vibes.

The fire company was selling halushki, pierogies, and hot or cold apple cider made with locally sourced apples. “This is our third year doing this event, and it’s always a good time. We’re selling pretty well so far, and we made extra food this year, just in case we sell out. All proceeds will benefit the fire company,” Klotz said.

The Lehighton Band Booster and Parents’ Club also set up a stand selling food.

“All the people we’ve met so far have been super nice, and we are loving the event,” said band parent Laurel Zimmerman. Proceeds from the Band Booster stand will help fund student trips and equipment, Zimmerman added.

This was Joe “Pyro Joe” Pachorkowsky’s first time as a vendor, and he and his team were pleased with the turnout as well. “This is the best event happening in Lehighton, in our opinion. Very well-organized and successful. You can see from the crowds that people agree,” Pachorkowsky said.

Pyro Joe was offering an immersive “buried alive” simulator. Sights, sounds and smells make you feel like you’re being buried alive, Pachorkowsky added.

The witches dance was held at 5 and 7 p.m., the witches walk/parade was at 7:30, the costume contest was at 8, and closing out the night was a scavenger hunt and dueling awards at 8:30.