It was certainly the summer of Barbie in 2023, but the Palmerton Booster Club varsity cheerleaders proved Sunday that the “power of pink” could extend to the Halloween season as well.

The cheerleaders’ “Bomber Barbies” theme was one of two judges’ choices for overall outstanding large float during the 32nd annual Palmerton Halloween Parade. Joining the cheerleaders with top honors were the Palmerton Booster Club junior varsity football team’s “Homegrown” float, a down-home farm scene.

“Everyone who participated in the parade this year deserved kudos,” Tammy Recker, parade judge and emcee, said. “This was hands down one of the best. I was thinking about the time, dedication, and amount of people it takes to make each entry happen and I remembered back to the nights spent in a garage painting, creating, and laughing with other parents. When you do something you believe in and care about those who you are working with side by side, you make it happen. Today, Palmerton made it happen.”

First, second, third and fourth place in the large float category went to the Booster Club junior varsity cheerleaders’ “Under The Sea,” flag football cheerleaders’ “Bombers Nevermore Academy,” Towamensing Soccer Club’s “TSC is Out of This World,” and Palmerton Youth Wrestling’s “Bombers Are On The Hunt” respectively.

Booster Club rookie football’s “Boys of Fall,” competitive flag football’s “Can’t Touch This,” and varsity football’s Palmerton’s “Toughest Because of the Bravest” took home honorable mention.

Palmerton’s streets were full of parade viewers eager to catch a glimpse of this year’s entries.

“Every year the parade is like stepping into a time capsule of community spirit and creativity,” Jane Turner said while watching with her grandchildren along Lafayette Avenue. “It’s more than just a parade. It’s a tradition that brings the small town together.”

The Palmerton VFW was named best appearing small float followed by The Hungarian Club’s “Hungarian Hippies,” Off The Charts Music School’s “Candyland,” and Cub Pack 209’s “Little Red Wagon” in first, second and third place respectively.

Honorable mention went to Booster Club rookie cheerleaders’ “May I Have Your Attention Please,” Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission’s “We Are …. Drug Free,” Bethany Wesleyan Church’s “Jesus Is Our Superhero,” and Blue Mountain Quarter Midgets.

Cartesion Dance’s “Spooky Scary Skeletons” earned the best appearing costumed group with Girl Scout Troop 301’s “Exorcism of Troop 301” coming in second. Girl Scout Troop 3506’s “Our Unique Pumpkin Patch,” and Mountain Karate Academy were named honorable mention.

Stahler Brothers Services shared the honor of the best appearing business with The Times News. Honorable mention went to Krebs Auto Detailing with the Tin Lizzies, Country Junction and Home Comfort Solutions.

Best appearing non-costumed group went to Dance With Kim, while the Palmerton Junior High cheerleaders came in second and Palmerton High School cheerleaders brought home honorable mention.

Art Grammes’ classic car topped the automotive category followed by honorable mention for the Carbon County Fair Queen and Palmerton High School National Honor Society.