Mayor Thomas Reenock has proclaimed Oct. 18 as Jack Frost Day in the borough, in recognition of the 70th annual event happening that night.

There will be goblins, ghosts and other scary characters to delight the children at the parade, sponsored by Northampton Exchange Club.

Ralston Coleman, parade committee chairman, said the Exchange Club is marking the 70th anniversary with a string band in full Mummers regalia and a singing princess in the parade lineup.

Fralinger String Band from Philadelphia will have more than 40 members in the parade and will lead the fifth division. The singing princess will ride on a horse-drawn carriage, Coleman said.

Kelsey Anthony, the Exchange Club’s Jack Frost Parade Queen, will lead the first division.

The parade has been increased to five divisions. That is one more than in past years because of the extraordinary number of organizations and others wanting to be in the parade. Coleman reported that some had to be turned away.

“I believe we may go to six divisions next year,” Coleman said.

The parade is expected to take two-and-a-half hours. RCN and Service Electric will be on site to video the parade.

Bands in the parade include the Northampton Area High School Big “N” Band, Northampton Area Middle School band, the Celtic Pipe and Drum Bagpipers, the Allentown Hobo “Almost” Marching Band and more. A large number of borough firetrucks and other area fire departments will participate.

The parade begins at Smith Lane, near the borough hall. The route runs onto Laubach Avenue, then 19th Street to Main Street and disbands on Lerchenmiller Drive.

***

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, Main Street and Laubach Avenue, has planned the following activities this month.

• Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., polka/button box music

• Oct. 24, 8 p.m., karaoke with DJ PK

• Oct. 26, 9 p.m., Halloween party with DJ PK

• Oct. 27, 7 p.m., performance by Tommy Zito

• Oct. 31, 8 p.m., karaoke with DJ PK

***

Northampton Area Historical Society will present a discussion about Northampton’s second ward Oct. 20. Larry Oberly will be the speaker. The event will feature photographs of second-ward businesses - past and present. It will be held 10 a.m. at Northampton Borough Municipal Building, 1401 Laubach Ave. The public is invited to attend.

The historical society will open the Siegfried Railroad Station to the public 1-4 p.m. Oct. 21 for the last time this year.

The station, located on West 21st Street, is a museum housing artifacts of Northampton and the surrounding area.

Both events are free of charge.

***

Grace United Church of Christ, 902 Lincoln Ave., will hold a halupki dinner 4-7 p.m. Oct. 20.

The price includes two halupkis, mashed potatoes, roll and butter, dessert and beverages. Take out is available.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Call 610-263-7186 for cost or additional information.

***

Northampton Exchange Club will hold its fall craft and vendor fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Northampton Banquet & Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave.

Admission and parking are free. More than 85 crafters and direct sales vendors will have displays.

A tricky tray raffle will also be held. Food and beverage items will be available for purchase.

***

Northampton Area Food Bank will hold its Halloween walkathon Oct. 27.

Registration begins 8:30 a.m. at the food bank, 1601 Canal St. The walk starts 9 a.m., rain or shine. Those planning to attend are encouraged to walk in costume. Sponsor sheets are available at the food bank. Participants may also bring their own sheet to the registration area.

***

Halloween Wheels on the Canal will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 27 at Canal Street Park. Rain date is Nov. 3.

The car show is open to all vehicles. Event organizers are seeking independent sales vendors, craft vendors and food vendors to participate.

There is a registration fee. All vendors must be preregistered. Vehicles can either preregister or register at the event. Registration begins 8 a.m.

Other highlights of the day include a basket raffle, deejay and a toy collection to benefit Toys for Tots.

This is a not-for-profit event with all proceeds going to help veterans. All proceeds will be split between Mission 22 and Blue Star Mothers of America, Lehigh Valley Chapter No. 201.

For more information, email HalloweenWheelsOnTheCanal@gmail.com; call 610-440-2407; or visit the group’s Facebook page, Halloween Wheels on the Canal.

***

Send in your news! Email the information to tklutter@ptd.net, and I’ll include it in an upcoming column.