Lehigh Fire Company No. 1, Lehighton, was judged the second best appearing fire department in the state when the 100th annual Pennsylvania Fireman’s Association Parade was held in Reading.

The mammoth, 7-1/2-hour parade consisted of firefighters from over 200 communities, 41 marching bands and over 500 pieces of apparatus.

Finishing ahead of the Lehighton company in the judging was the Sharon Hill Fire Department, Delaware County.

The Lehighton firemen were accompanied by the Lehighton Band. The contingent included 55 men from the company and seven members of the Lehighton American Legion Post who formed the color guard.

Also participating in the parade were the Tamaqua and Aquashicola fire companies.