Sunny skies and the crisp fall weather brought out the crowds to enjoy the 31st Annual Jim Thorpe Halloween Parade on Saturday, hosted by the Jim Thorpe Lions Club.

John “Jack” Huber was the grand marshal.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather on a parade day,” said Parade Committee Chairperson Pam McElmoyle. “The Lions are so thankful to have such a supportive community that participates in the parade, comes out to watch, or helps out on the day of in some way. These events show off our strong, small town connection, proving we are not just a tourist town. We can’t wait for next year.”

Highlights of the parade included the Hawk Mountain Highlanders Pipe and Drum band, the Pennsylvania Theater of the Performing Arts featuring “Descendants,” Jukebox Cruisers Car Club, Forks of the Delaware Tin Lizzies, Jim Thorpe Olympian Boo-ster Club, Gregory Badger Calliope, the Germantown Grove Club with their salute to Dolly Parton, and Meckes Tractor Cub Club.

Businesses that participated included Mason’s Cold Beer, Schlier Towing, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Affordable Dumpsters, Pine Ridge Services, and Radiant Reflections Salon.

Other groups included Pathstone CFDS, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Carbon County Fair Queen, Cub Pack 138, and Girl Scout Service Unit 309,

First Responders included the Jim Thorpe Police Department, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Watch, Jim Thorpe Fire Department, Lehighton Ambulance, and Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek.

Various Republican and Democratic politicians marched in the parade.

And, of course, Santa Claus.

The Jim Thorpe Marching Band and Cheerleaders were unable to attend due to their attendance at the football game.

In all, 426 people marched in the parade; 62 vehicles and 5 floats took part.

The Jim Thorpe Lions Club thanked the borough, police, fire police, and Penn Forest Fire Police, as well as the JT School District for use of their parking lots where the parade formed.

Judges for the parade were Tom and MaryKay Lesisko, and Chrissy Kibler.

The winners at the parade were:

Best Group: 1st, Radiant Reflections Salon; 2nd, Meckes Tractor Cub Club; and 3rd, Jim Thorpe Boo-ster Club.

Best Float: 1st, Mason’s Cold Beer; 2nd, Schlier’s Towing; and 3rd, Gregory Badger Calliope.

Most Original: 1st, Germantown Grove Club; 2nd, Cub Pack 138; and 3rd, Girl Scout Service Unit 309.

Following the parade, everyone gathered at the Jim Thorpe Memorial Park for hot dogs and other snacks provided by the Jim Thorpe Lions Club. Members of the Pennsylvania Theater of the Performing Arts entertained the crowd, and the Lions presented the awards to the winning parade entries.

A video of the parade is available on the “Annual Jim Thorpe Halloween Parade Facebook page. Bryce McElmoyle did the video, and Joe Halenar and Pete McElmoyle emceed the broadcast.

Jodi Damien was the winner of the lottery ticket raffle. The Jim Thorpe Lions Club made approximately $500, to be used for various projects of the Lions Club.