The annual Hellertown Halloween Parade was held Sunday afternoon and drew thousands of spectators to the center of town for a fun, family-friendly event.

The parade benefited from near-perfect fall weather. Skies were sunny and a light breeze kept temperatures comfortable.

This year’s parade went smoothly, despite the fact that chairman and mayor David Heintzelman was recently on sabattical for health reasons. Other organizers stepped up, but the mayor was still involved and made an appearance near the end of the parade, riding in a golf cart.

The theme for the 2026 parade was “Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom” in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. The 2026 grand marshal was Hellertown American Legion Edward H. Ackerman Post 397 Commander Eric Medei.

“His love for God and country, along with his resilient dedication to the Hellertown community, truly reflects this veteran’s selfless heart,” a Hellertown Halloween Parade Facebook post said.

This year’s panel of judges was comprised of four local clergy members: Rev. Lisa K. Borrell (New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lower Saucon Township), Rev. John Anthony Hutta (St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish of Hellertown), Rev. Philip C. Spohn (Christ Lutheran Hellertown) and Rev. Becky Thomas (First United Church of Christ of Hellertown).

The Hellertown Halloween Parade is entirely volunteer-run and funded by community donations. Many local businesses and individuals helped make the 2026 parade a reality by sponsoring marching bands, entering floats, donating supplies and contributing financially to the event. Donations were also collected by volunteers who walked the parade route with collection buckets and signs.

After the parade, an After Party event was held in Dimmick Park featuring live music by The Wonton Soups, food drunks, beverage vendors and more.

The winners of the 2026 parade awards, who were announced by parade organizers on Facebook Tuesday, are as follows:

Best Appearing Float
1st Place – Saucon Valley Youth Sports Association
2nd Place – Saucon Valley Soccer League
3rd Place – A-2 Mechanical Plumbing

Best Appearing Individual/Small Group
1st Place – Service Electric
2nd Place – Pichel-McGovern Farms
3rd Place – Lehigh Valley Renovations

Best Appearing Medium to Large Group
1st Place – Bettler Bros. Racing
2nd Place – XP Realty
3rd Place – Saucon Valley Karate Academy

Judges’ Choice – Theme Choice: “Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom”
1st Place – Wlison Products Compressed Gas
2nd Place – Hellertown-Lower Saucon Little League

Honorable Mentions for Outstanding Parade Effort
Kuronya Racing
Hellertown Tattoo Co.
Relay for Life of Lehigh Valley