An estimated 50 organizations participated in this year's annual Phillipsburg-Easton Halloween parade.
Children decked out in various costumes had their arms ready to catch any candy thrown from an estimated 50 organizations participating in the annual Phillipsburg-Easton Halloween parade.
Hundreds of spectators lined the streets in both municipalities Sunday afternoon. The parade started at South Main Street, Phillipsburg, crossed the free bridge into Easton, and traveled partially around the circle at Centre Square.
Grand Marshals Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and Phillipsburg Mayor Harry Wyant Jr. walked together with other local politicians, waving to the crowd. The Exchange Club of Warren County hosted the event.
MORE: Hundreds enjoy Bethlehem Halloween parade (PHOTOS)
Groups participating included high school and middle school marching bands, scouts, cheerleaders and belly dancers, as well as civic and community groups.
Also seen were fire trucks, rescue squad vehicles, classic cars and a handful of floats. Politicians running in November's general election were eager to gain exposure.
Closing out the parade was Santa Claus, riding on a Pohatcong Township-based Huntington Volunteer Fire Co. truck.
The annual event, Panto previously has said, began in the city in 1951 and joined Phillipsburg in 1982.
TROPHY WINNERS
Trophy winners of the Phillipsburg-Easton parade are listed below. Four judges -- two from each state -- judged the contest.
- Best Marching Band: Easton Area High School Band
- Best Marching Entry: Two Rivers Roller Derby
- Best Community Youth Entry: Girl Scouts of Easton PA service unit 704
- Best Float: Berkshire Hathaway
- Most Original Entry: Phillipsburg Housing Authority
- Exchange's Choice: Garden State Crew-zers
- Grand Marshal's (Mayor's) Choice: Kohl's department store
- Honorable mentions: Helen's Floral; Cub Scout Pack 51; Coordinated Health; and Scooby-Doo with Cruella de Vil.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.