Spectators crowded along the streets to cheer on the more than 50 entries and scramble for candy during the Orwigsburg Lions Club Halloween Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
“To all the participants of the 2023 Halloween parade, thanks for being part of the annual Orwigsburg Lions Halloween Parade,” Lion Mike Swenson said in a statement. “There were well over 500 children and adults participating in the parade, and there were five times that amount along the parade route viewing the parade.”
The parade featured the top winners Sabo School of Irish Dance’s “Annie” float, Schuylkill Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” float promoting their Nov. 24 to 26 shows, and Kimmels Church’s castle-themed float.
“A great deal of time and effort was spent on the many costumes and floats and it certainly showcased Wednesday night! Thanks again to all participants for being part of this fun annual event!” Swenson said.
Cash prizes were awarded for the top three finishers in the youth group category as well as cash prizes for the top three independent groups and a judge’s prize. Judges were Orwigsburg Lions Club Past President Brian Calderone, Vintage 61 storehouse owner Laura Hughes and Addie Zimmerman.
WINNERS
Youth Group
1st: Sabo School of Irish Dance “Annie” float
2nd: Blue Mountain Youth Football
3rd: Orwigsburg Cub Scout Pack #624
Family/ Independent
1st: Schuylkill Ballet Theatre “The Nutcracker” float
2nd: The Cantina
3rd: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Judges Prize
1st: Kimmels Church castle-themed float
Organizers thankful
“I’d like to recognize many of the people that helped make this year’s Orwigsburg Halloween Parade a success!” said Swenson.
ARK Rentals supplied the grandstand for judges. Orwigsburg borough provided traffic control and security. Green’s Communications provided communication and organizational help. Heim Construction provided lighting, and the Orwigsburg Fire Department coordinated fire and rescue vehicles.
M&T Bank allowed use of their parking lot for food trucks: Uncle Paul’s Stuffed Pretzels, Blazing Swine BBQ, The Rustic Confectionery, Jerry’s Funnel cakes & Deep Fried Oreos, and, for the first time, Farm Show Milkshakes.
Swenson thanked T-102 radio announcer John Dunn for excellent as MC and praised the parade judges and the award-winning Blue Mountain High School Marching Band.
“Borough employees, police force and fire police all provided help to keep everyone safe,” he continued.
“And most of all, the many hard working Orwigsburg Lions that put this together each year! We look forward to seeing everyone back for next year’s parade. Thank you all!”
The 2024 parade will be held on Oct. 23.
Source: Berkshire mont