For the 53rd time, large crowds converged on Broad Street for the Tamaqua Halloween Parade’s annual haunting, sponsored by the Tamaqua Lions Club.

The spooktacular event is among the largest of its kind in Schuylkill County, this time drawing more than 6,000 spectators in perfect fall weather.

The parade, delayed one day due to Tuesday’s rain, was a bloodcurdling success, according to attendees, who said it was worth the wait.

“I’ve been coming to it since I moved here in 2010,” said Jeremiah Bear of Tamaqua. Bear sported a brown woolen, hooded cloak and held a hand carved walking stick topped by an animal skull and antlers. If the outfit looked strikingly realistic, well ... it was. Turns out, it wasn’t a costume. Bear follows the beliefs and practices of Norse paganism. He adheres to customs that predate Christianity and dresses accordingly.

Bear said he looks forward to Tamaqua’s annual Halloween spectacle.

“I like all of the different costumes and also how the different fire companies come together.”

A combination of horrific screams and hearty laughter entertained the lively crowd as the procession made its way along Route 209 in the community.

Spectators started gathering as early as 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. step-off of what was a 90-minute event, which went off without a hitch.

“I’m here because my husband assists with Tamaqua Rescue and Tamaqua Wireless Association,” said Kelly Boerner of Tamaqua. Boerner said husband Ed has been performing his volunteer duties for many years.

Tamaqua native Debbie Petrole was on hand with daughter Jackie Kerlin to see little Aaron Kerlin, 7, appear with the West Penn Cub Scouts, Pack 756.

“He’ll be dressed as JFK,” said Petrole.

Reactions from onlookers were entertaining by themselves as grand and ghoulish costumes paraded up Broad Street, capturing the imagination.

But if individual marchers, dancers, sports teams and youth groups won the hearts of attendees, it was magnificent floats that stole the show.

A seemingly endless line of elaborate floats could been seen for many blocks.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen so many floats in any previous Halloween parade,” said Dale Freudenberger of Tamaqua.

The floats and group entries seemed to feature every kind of entertainment, including dancers, acrobats and street theater actors. Many of the floats were brilliantly and colorfully lighted.

A few of them emitted bubbles, others spewed smoke. Candy was tossed to the crowds from virtually all of the entries. But other treats were handed out as well, such as pencils and one entry from a local industry even tossed rolled-up Hefty garbage bags.

There also were flame-throwing cars and a multitude of emergency vehicles from a wide area, including a firetruck from Victorville, California. The unit was just built by KME in Nesquehoning.

The parade was led by the Tamaqua American Legion honor guard. Tamaqua businessman and community supporter Matt Hope served as grand marshal.

The judges’ stand was located in the center of the 100 block of West Broad Street where well-known musician and promoter Jack Kulp served as master of ceremonies.

The Tamaqua Lions Club expressed appreciation to all who participated or helped to make the night special, among them: Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, Tamaqua Wireless Association, Tamaqua Elks Lodge, Tamaqua Fire Police, and Tamaqua Historical Society, which provided electricity for the judges’ stand.