Having their original date a washout, the 2021 Emmaus Borough Halloween Parade found perfect autumn weather Oct. 17 to march to. Folks young and old lined up with coats and blankets to enjoy the spectacle and cheer on the marching bands and floats. Some savored hot cocoa or coffee. Others munched on pizza or on the candy thrown from the passing floats by costumed characters.

2021 marks the 100 year anniversary of the borough’s first Halloween-themed parade. According to borough records, it was on Oct. 3, 1921, “A committee of the American Legion was present and informed (Council) as to the holding of a Halloween parade, – A.F. Buck, H.D. Wenhig, H.F. Moatz, W.L. Kratzer, R.S. Stoneback, R.C.D. Rahn, H.A. Knauss. This committee to act in conjunction with the Legion Committee.”

Halloween Parade Chair Kathy Mintzer, who has been leading the parade committee for 25 years, said, “There have been many, many volunteers working on this parade over the decades; we need to continue this tradition the best way we know how and that’s with dedicated committee members and volunteers.”

Prizes were awarded in several categories for the 2021 parade. These include marching groups, marching groups accompanied by a float, mini, small and large floats and masqueraders.

Best of Show went to “Sweet and Sassy – 1980 Princesses” for “Best Depiction of the Century.”

Chosen by Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert, the Mayor’s Cup Award was presented to “Out of Our Minds – Ghostbusters” for the “Most Halloween Decorated Entry.”

Trophies were provided compliments of Atlas Trophy.

For more information on the Halloween parade, visit www.emmausparade.com.