Planning for the 108th annual Slatington Halloween Parade started before the hottest days of summer and ended Saturday night with residents lining the packed Main Street.

When Russell Hallman took over as parade chairman the funding and enthusiasm was lacking.But through his efforts and those of the Northern Lehigh Events Committee, the centurylong tradition continued with 62 floats to entertain the folks who came out prepared with blankets to keep warm during the brisk night.Children waited with pumpkin-shaped buckets and bags to catch the candy tossed into the crowd by the passing four divisions of the Wild West themed show.Sponsors included 67 Slatington, Slatedale and Walnutport businesses as well as nonprofit clubs and private residents.According to Hallman, the motivation was "the kids."During event fundraisers Hallman could be overheard telling residents and friends that the tradition must be kept alive."It's for the kids. When I was a kid they did it. They look forward to it, not just the kids who watch but the kids in the parade."Main Street was barricaded at both ends with the help of local police enforcement directing traffic around the route.Floodlights lit the main stretch in front of Hallman's Auto Service where Blue Ridge Channel 13 stationed three cameras to capture all the action.Live music from local band Beautiful Oblivion filled in between the Northern Lehigh and Northwestern Lehigh school bands. Color guards twirled flags in practiced routines.Fire breathers and witches accompanied the Slatington business Enchanted Meadows float.A swarm of kids in karate gear for the Emerald Dragon Karate float displaying fresh moves.Bethlehem Carriage was represented by cowboys and girls on horseback while The Headless Horseman rode the street complete with glowing pumpkin head in hand. And of course fire trucks galore rounded out the spectators' expectations of classic parade fare.The successfully thrown parade kept the tradition alive for 2015 with the crowd looking forward to what 2016 will bring.2015 Parade Winners: Best Float, Country Fair, NLYAA Cheerleaders.Small Float: Girl Scouts No. 733, ABC Learning CenterJudges' Award: Rhythm and Sole Dance Center, Country FairBest Character/Individual: Paul Green the Mean Green Dog, Pitstop the ClownBest Large Group: Emerald Dragon, Tattered TailsBest Small Group: Rotary Group, Walnutport CanalMost Patriotic Float: Szoke Iron Works Inc., Emerald Lions ClubFunniest Pet: K-9 Innovations, Jesse Ballas, Prutzman Family Frozen Canines