The full Hunter’s Moon helped set the mood for the 70th Annual Andreas Halloween Parade.

The parade is hosted each year by the Andreas Sporting Club, the West Penn Township Lions, and the Andreas/West Penn VFW Post 5069.

The grand marshal was Dorothy “Dot” Eberts, a lifelong resident of Andreas, who worked with the Andreas Post Office for 40 years, including being the postmaster before retiring.

She is a lifelong member of Ben Salem Church, having served with their bell choir and with Family Promise.

She rode in a 1932 Packard, owned and driven by Gary Kistler of the West Penn Lions Club.

James Bonner, the new West Penn Chief of Police, led the parade, followed by the VFW Color Guard, and Eberts.

“This is our 70th annual parade,” said Chairperson Rebecca Neumoyer.

“I’m expecting a good turnout. People are ready to come out and enjoy themselves, and see the parade. We have three marching groups, 11 floats and some of the businesses are driving their vehicles. I think it’s going to be a great parade.”

Neumoyer also serves as lion tamer with the West Penn Lions Club.

“We need some new members to help us out with these events for the community, she said.

Lights were strung up along the roadway to help illuminate the parade.

Highlights from the paraded included the Tamaqua High School Raiders Marching Band, playing “Phantom of the Opera” and other songs. Band members all wore costumes.

The Service Team’s entry was called “Mowing the Graveyard,” and featured a float of a cemetery with a ghoul on a lawn mower, smoke rising from the graves.

The West Penn Girls Softball Team’s float was called “Evil Circus,” featuring what looked like a circus trailer with the girls all dressed in costumes.

Caitlin Smith, the Carbon County Fair Queen, rode in a horse and carriage owned by Kyle Hoppes and Crystal View Carriage Service, which can often be seen in downtown Jim Thorpe.

The parade started at the Andreas Sporting Club, went down to Route 895, then returned to the Sporting Club, where the awards were handed out, and all those who were in the parade received hot dogs and drinks.

Judging the parade were Todd Cheese, Colleen McCall, Sherri Vega. Bob Neumoyer announced the parade.

All marchers and floats were judged on costume, originality, and enthusiasm.

The marchers:

First: Mahoning Valley Community 4-H

Second: West Penn and Tamaqua Girl Scout Troops

Third: Tamaqua Area Drama Club

Floats

First: West Penn Cub Pack 756, “Camping”

Second: West Penn Girls Softball Teams, “Evil Circus”

Third: Lorah Property Repair, “Classic Horror”

Honorable mentions

Service Team Landscaping, “Mowing the Graveyard”

Lehighton Girl Scouts Troop 329, “Halloween Bash”

Caitlin Smith, Fair Queen

West Penn Lions Club, classic truck

The West Penn Lions Club is looking for new members. Call 570-386-3045.