The West Easton Halloween Parade was enjoyed by kids and adults this year. After having to cancel the parade last year, due to Super Storm Sandy, West Easton and Safety First Fire Department were back on track.

This was my first year in seeing the Halloween Parade in West Easton. I was told that the tradition of a Halloween Parade began 49 years ago and last year was the only year it hadn’t taken place because of the damage from Sandy.

Arriving at the gathering point of Iron and Front Streets around 5:30 pm, I didn’t know what to expect. In the short time I’ve lived in West Easton I may have seen a total of 8 different kids go past my house. About 4 teenagers walking and 4 little ones being pushed in strollers. Today, Front Street was quickly filling with youth. I honestly didn’t expect so many and it shattered my belief that West Easton was totally comprised of old farts, like myself. By the time I took some pictures and then headed to the end of the parade route, I’m guessing there were about 40 children with more still arriving.

Along with the children who were registering for the costume contest, Safety First brought out their two fire trucks and the Wilson Area High School Band was there to lead the parade.

The kids were loving the attention and a crying baby couldn’t be found. I got the biggest chuckle from a little pirate I watched bouncing and rocking to the rhythm of the school band as they warmed up. It reminded me of my own three grown children when they were toddlers and before they learned to talk, or to have an opinion that differed from mine.

I arrived at the ballfield where the parade would end and found volunteers ready with free hotdogs and soda for the kids. Mayor Gross was there to hand them their tickets for the freebies, as was Council President Kelly Gross who was a costume judge. She told me there was to be a “Cake Walk” after the costumes were presented to the judges for viewing. Being a foreigner to this strange land, I had no idea what a Cake Walk was. It was explained to me. People buy tickets, form a circle, walk it as music plays and stop when the music stops. A pointing stick is spun and whoever it points to wins a cake. It’s a favorite event judging from the amount of people who formed the circle.

After the Cake Walk, the judges announced the winners of the contests and there were plenty of winners in a number of categories. Best Do-It-Yourself costume, Prettiest Costume, Best Super Hero, and more. There were a number of ties. I would say that everyone could consider themselves a winner.

This little parade in a little borough is one of the things that makes living in West Easton so enjoyable.

The following are pictures taken at the event. Clicking on the photo will provide a larger image. If you wish your child to be identified by name contact the Admin of this website. CLICK HERE for the contact page. Identify the picture, the costume, and provide the name of your child. I will tag the photo appropriately.