Normally on the night of the Andreas Halloween Parade, Curtis and Dorothy Bailey would be preparing hot dogs and drinks for the marchers along with their fellow Lions and Lionesses.

But Thursday night, they rode in a convertible near the front of the procession, being recognized as grand marshals for the 69th edition of the parade. The Baileys are 87 years old and combined for more than a century of service to the West Penn Lions and Lioness clubs.

“It’s quite an honor. I’ve been a Lions member for about 56 years,” Curtis Bailey said. “Generally my wife and I used to be working in the kitchen to get everything ready for after the parade is over.”

The Baileys are a good example of the community spirit which has kept the parade going for 69 years. Every October, local organizations march and prepare floats to participate in the parade. A number of local fire companies and the Tamaqua Area High School Band — 200 strong — add to the pageantry.

The tradition remains strong because a group of local organizations — including the VFW and the Andreas Sporting Club, work hard to make it happen, according to Becky Neumoyer, who heads up the parade committee. Of course the candy helps bring the kids back as well.

“A lot of people like it because it gets everyone out in the community. It’s just a good night out for families. Everybody works hard and they work together,” Neumoyer said.

The winning float this year was from Andreas Sporting Club, who had a patriotic float. They were followed in second place by Mother Bear’s Learning Center with a pirate themed float, and the West Penn Cub Scout Pack 756 in third with their “Aim High” float.

The floats in this year’s parade also included Carbon County Fair Queen Katie Aaron, accompanied by her court, Kiersten Gursky and Jayden Gursky. They rode in a horse-drawn carriage driven by Kyle and Emily Hoppes of Crystal View Carriage Services.

The marching awards went to Lehighton Brownie Troops 3862 and 3248, who came dressed as pirates. They were followed by Lehighton Girl Scout Troop 329 with a circus theme, and West Penn Girl Scout Troops 30975, 31011, 31208 and 30975 with the theme “Girl Scouts of All Nations.”

The parade was scheduled to take place Wednesday night but heavy rain pushed it to Thursday. It was a cold windy night, but longtime paradegoers know to expect any kind of weather when planning for the parade.

“We’ve had a lot of nights where we debate whether we’re going to cancel because of the rain. Most of the time, nine times out of 10 the parade goes on,” Neumoyer said.

Many of the volunteers can recall their relatives helping to volunteer, or even were participants themselves. Andreas VFW Post 5069 has been carrying the flag at the head of the parade since the ’70s. Members recalled that their parents helped with the parade before them.

“It’s a good tradition. It’s a community thing,” said Gene Schaeffer.

Melissa Hunsicker serves in the West Penn Lions, but as a child, she marched in the parade with her Girl Scout troop.

“I do it to give back to the community,” she said.

Curtis Bailey said he enjoys supporting the Lions because of the work they do for people in need, whether it’s providing glasses or meals. He’s proud to pass it along to the next generations as well. His daughter also volunteers, and his granddaughter recently became a member of the Lions Club.

“The lions is one of the major clubs that really helps a lot of the local people,” he said.