BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem’s streets were filled with candy, costumes and community spirit Sunday afternoon as hundreds of families gathered for the city’s 104th annual Halloween parade — one of Pennsylvania’s oldest holiday traditions.
Under clear skies, the 1.5-mile parade route stretched from West Broad and Ninth Avenue to Main and Spring streets, where children in colorful costumes lined the sidewalks waving at floats, marching bands and community groups. Vendors along Main Street sold cider, soft pretzels and water to the crowd.
The parade kicked off with a procession led by the Bethlehem Police Department, followed by the Bethlehem Catholic High School Golden Hawk Marching Band, elected officials, community organizations and a lineup that showcased the city’s diversity — from youth sports teams and dance studios to school bands and local businesses.
Spectators cheered as candy was thrown from passing floats and familiar sounds of drumlines and brass filled the air.
“I’m most excited to see the bands, floats and what everybody is wearing,” said Mikayla, a Bethlehem resident and Freedom High School alum. “I’ve been coming to this as long as I can remember.”…