The 55th annual Lehighton Halloween Parade will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday. The rain date is Sunday.

The parade begins at Seventh and Coal streets and makes its way down to the Third Street intersection before making a right onto Mahoning Street and then a left onto Eighth Street, where it will disband at the Grove.

The husband-wife duo of Hank Williams and Kristin Simmons, of Lehighton, are the co-grand marshals.

“I was shocked, and surprised,” Simmons said of the selection. “I just like to volunteer and do things to help everybody out.”

Simmons said she’s been volunteering ever since she was 10 years old, back when she used to serve people food at her church, Ben Salem United Church of Christ, Lehighton.

A lifelong resident of the Lehighton area, Simmons said she’s always admired the Lehighton Halloween Parade.

“The turnout of people that come up to the parade is amazing,” she said. “All the little kids in costumes waiting for candy; it’s like a Lehighton homecoming.”

Simmons has been heavily involved with Carbon County 4-H, for which she’s served as poultry leader, poultry technician, sewing leader, quilting leader, potato judging leader and exchange club leader (former), in addition to Carbon County Youth Show and Advisory Committee member.

Additionally, Simmons has served as agricultural director of the Carbon County Fair. She maintains public relations on Facebook and its website and serves on the land development committee. She was also still exhibit coordinator and fair queen coordinator.

Her memberships also include to the Carbon County Cooperative Extension (former treasurer and member); Ben Salem United Church of Christ (former president and member); Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club (former member); and Sew What Quilt Guild, press relations.

Julie Harris, chairperson of the Lehighton Halloween Parade Committee, nominated Simmons “for her volunteer work in the community.”

Williams, originally from Jim Thorpe, is well-known throughout the area for the various parades he’s been a part of over the past few decades.

“I did more parades then you can shake a stick at,” Williams quipped. “I feel great; I thought I would make it (as grand marshal), but never made it (until now).”

Williams, who has been involved with the Carbon County Fair for 16 years, and Carbon County 4-H for 15 years, added, “I love working with the kids.”

He was involved with the Jim Thorpe St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 21 years; Carbon County Veterans Day parades; Palmerton Halloween Parade; Summit Hill Memorial Day Parade; Weissport Armed Forces Day Parade and 250th Anniversary Celebration; and Jim Thorpe Halloween Parade.

Williams’ memberships include Orioles Home Association; Lehighton Fire Company (social); American Legion (social); Diligence Fire Company; and Jim Thorpe Little League Baseball.

Erin McGinley, secretary/treasurer of the Lehighton Halloween Parade Committee, nominated him.

Together, Simmons and Williams said they both “enjoy volunteering and getting out and doing things.”

Harris said this year’s parade will be an eight-division parade.

Participants will include the Lehighton “Indian Pride” Marching Band; Allentown Almost “Hobo” Marching Band; Celtic United Pipe & Drum Band; Holy Mackerel Band; and Calliope Merry Go Round.

McGinley said that food trucks will be ready to serve their products at 1 p.m., including Pocono Potato Chip Company; Diggers BBQ; Sunny Sips; Ott’s Concessions; and Happy Kamper Kettle Corn Co.

Harris stressed that the parade runs on donations. There is no entry fee. Donations may be sent to the Lehighton Area Halloween Parade Committee, P.O. Box 241, Lehighton, PA 18235.

She said the division marshals will be going around carrying orange donation buckets on the parade route.

Paraders are reminded they are permitted to toss candy and gum to the viewers, but cannot stop and perform in front of the judge’s stand. No ATVs are allowed.

“We’re hoping that everybody comes out to support the parade,” Harris said. “It looks like we’re going to have nice weather.”