Great Phillipsburg-Easton Parade Draws Crowd of Thousands

By Christina Georgiou

Baton twirlers for the Easton Area High School Marching
Band dressed as cats for the annual Great Phillipsburg-
Easton Halloween Parade on Sunday afternoon. The
band was awarded the trophy for "Best Marching Band"
in the event.
Click on any photo for a full size view

Several thousand people of all ages lined streets in Phillipsburg, NJ and Easton Sunday afternoon to watch the Great Phillipsburg-Easton Halloween Parade.

Broken into five divisions, about 60 local organizations and businesses took part in the annual October event, which was cancelled last year due to the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

But the break only seemed to give this year's crowd more enthusiasm, as children scrambled for candy thrown by some of the parade participants.

Many spectators, including a few pets, came dressed in costume for the occasion too.

The head of the parade was led by elected officials from both
Phillipsburg and Easton, including mayors Harry Wyant and Sal Panto.

The parade kicked off along Main Street in Phillipsburg, proceeded over the Delaware River free bridge to Northampton Street in Easton, reaching its final destination just past the grandstand on Centre Square.

The head of the parade was led by elected officials from both Phillipsburg and Easton, including mayors Harry Wyant and Sal Panto.
Four judges, two from New Jersey and two from Pennsylvania, judged the event participants, and a number of the entrants were awarded trophies in various categories.

Trophy winners were:

• Best Marching Band - Easton Area High School Red Rovers Marching Band
• Best Marching Entry - Two Rivers Roller Derby
• Best Community Youth Entry - Cub Scout Pack No. 51
• Best Float - St James Lutheran Church
• Most Original Entry - Dance Phillipsburg
• Chamber's Choice - Garden State Crewzers PT Cruiser Club
• Grand Marshal's Choice/Best of Parade - American Legion Riders Palmer Township Post 9

While in recent years, the event has been organized by the Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the Great Phillipsburg-Easton Halloween parade has a decades-long history, having formerly been an annual Jaycees event.

Having all ages take part in an annual Halloween parade is a tradition in Easton that goes back at least a century too, as one that was organized in the city's South Side neighborhood in 1913 encouraged "older people to come out with masks and costumes, and to be young again."

Many spectators dressed up for the occasion as well.

The Phillipsburg High School Marching Band led the first parade division
over the bridge into Easton.

Girl Scouts and Brownies from Phillipsburg NJ strut their stuff.

Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Easton chose a "superheroes against bullying" theme.

The Easton Area Middle School Marching Band lead the second division into Easton.

Balloons the Clown is a familiar sight at many Easton events.

The Wilson Area High School Warrior Marching Band struts their stuff.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, who is running for Northampton County
Executive, took the opportunity to pass out candy to kids, or as he called them
"future voters" at the Great Phillipsburg-Easton Parade on Sunday.

A mini British invasion...

American Legion Post 9 in Palmer Township built a float
to commemorate those who lost their lives in war.

One canine spectator was dressed as a gladiator's mount, while his
companion was adorned with a Batman costume.

Two spectating princesses wave to parade participants.

Members of the Easton Area High School Marching Band approach the grandstand.

Even some of the sousaphones in the parade came costumed for
Halloween.

Two Rivers Roller Derby girls show off their skills while passing out candy to the crowd. The group was awarded
the trophy for "Best Marching Group" for their efforts.

One participant's entry celebrated the Mexican Day of the Dead, traditionally
celebrated the day after Halloween, on November 1.

Young marchers get ready to toss candy to the crowd.

 

Easton Guardian Angels wave to spectators.

Some Easton Cub Scouts got a ride, while others pushed and marched.

Santa Claus, atop a Pohatcong fire truck, brought up the rear
of the parade, reminding everyone present of
the upcoming holiday seaston.

Weekend Guide, October 25 to 27

Ghosts and goblins are afoot this weekend...Boo!

Friday, October 25

 

Film Screening and Discussion - "Kissing Jessica Stein": 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Lafayette College, Hugel Science Center, Room 100. Click here for a campus map. Click here for more information about LGBT History Month events at Lafayette College.

Halloween Bash: Begins at 5 p.m. Headliner Gloominous Doom will be joined by Super Truck, Chinga, Skinneo, Vengents, and Anticitizen, promising a headbanging good time all night. Mothers Bar & Grill, 3 Lehn's Court. 610-253-1012


Easton Rovers vs. Whitehall High School: Kickoff at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person, $3 for seniors and kids in grades K through 12. Cottingham Stadium, 12th and Northampton streets. Click here for more ticket information.

"Heaven and Hell" Halloween Party, Philadelphia Funk Authority, DJ LAX: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10:30 p.m. $500 in cash prizes for costumes are promised too. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court. www.rivalseaston.com

FON (Family OUT Night): 8 p.m. to midnight. LGBT social with complimentary buffet. Featuring DJ April spinning up some ole skool jams. For those over 21. La Pazza Bar, 13th and Ferry streets. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

10th Annual Haunted Easton Tour: 8 p.m. "Join our guides and ghouls for hysterics and history in the labyrinth streets of Easton; reaping centuries of fact and fiction." Tickets are $10 per person. No pets, strollers, or smoking on the tour. This tour is not for the faint of heart; it's a brisk walk through a labrynth of back alleys in Easton's Historic Downtown. Tour is not recommended for young children due to scary stories and adult language. All children must be accompanied by an adult and pay the full ticket price. Tour runs rain or shine. Additional tour set for Saturday, Oct. 26. Tour meets on Centre Square, in front of the Crayola Experience. Click here for more details or to purchase advance  tickets online.

Lelica & BD Lenz: 8 p.m. Valenca, 64-66 Centre Square. 610-923-5142 or www.valencaonthesquare.com

George Kilby Jr.: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Brian Dean  Moore: 9 p.m. Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House, 136-138 Spring Garden St. 610-252-3033 or www.colonialpizzapub.com

Mike Lorenz: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Halloween Costume Party with DJ Chopper: 9 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Start Making Rent: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

J2: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

DJ John McCluskey: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Saturday, October 26

16th Annual Scarecrow Festival at the Easton Farmers' Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A scarecrow building contest is the highlight--for $10, including all you need, including expert assistance from the EFM scarecrow techs, build your own scarecrow that can be either left to display on the Centre Square or taken home with you after the event. Contest categories include the funniest, most artful, scariest, most glamorous, and cutest scarecrows, along with the best character look-alike scarecrow and the one judged to be the best designed by a group. Judging takes place at 1:30 p.m. Other activities throughout the day include a pumpkin bake-off at 11 a.m., live music featuring Chuck Shaffer and Fool Moon Howlin', pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, Halloween games, harvest storytime and a giant corn play pit. For more information, visit www.EastonFarmersMarket.com

Championship CFA Cat Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 225 pedigree cats and household pets judged, meet the cats and exhibitors and shop for unique cat items. Admission is $6 per person, $5 for seniors and kids, or $20 for a family of four. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 610-252-2098

Plant a Tree: 9:30 a.m. to noon. Join the City of Easton, the Easton Environmental Advisory Council and volunteers from Lafayette College for some neighborhood beautification in Easton’s South Side, planting trees and sprucing up Pioneer Park. All volunteers are welcome. If possible, volunteers should bring a shovel and a pair of work gloves. Some extra tools and gloves will be available. Wearing sturdy shoes and long pants is recommended. Rain or shine. Pioneer Park, Lincoln and Milton streets.

Little Free Library Dedication: 10 a.m. Four new Little Free Libraries will be unveiled, to be placed in Downtown Easton locations. Centre Square. Click here for more details. 

Jay's Halloween Bowling Fund Raiser: 4 to 10 p.m. A fund raiser for the Bowen Family, whose father passed away suddenly in May of 2013, leaving behind a wife and five children, the youngest of who was born in September 2013.  All proceeds benefits the family.  50/50 drawing and a silent raffle.  Costumes encouraged & prizes for costumes. Bar-Don Lanes, 3700 Nicholas St., Palmer Township.  610-258-0221

Hungarian Dinner: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Eat in or take out. $15 per person, $8 for students, kids under 6 are free. First Presbyterian Church, 333 Spring Garden St. 610-253-3579 or 610-258-6136

Art Opening - "Season of Transition": 5 to 8 p.m. Works by Virginia Abbott, Rigo Peralta, and Bobby Zeik. RE:find, 437 Northampton St. 610-829-1313 or www.refindeaston.com

Northampton County Miracle League Trick-or-Treat: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rain date is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 610-252-2098

Winter Wonderland at Masquerade Gala: 6 to 11 p.m. Multi-course dinner, dancing, awards for best costumes, games, live and silent auctions, more. Formal attire and mask are suggested. Tickets are $150 per person or $275 per couple. Benefits the American Lung Association. The Eastonian Holiday Inn Express Ballroom, 90 Kunkle Drive in Palmer Township. www.lunginfo.org/masquerade.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

"Heaven and Hell" Halloween Party, Uncle Rocco, DJ Mike West: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. $500 in cash prizes for costumes are promised too. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court. www.rivalseaston.com

10th Annual Haunted Easton Tour: 8 p.m. "Join our guides and ghouls for hysterics and history in the labyrinth streets of Easton; reaping centuries of fact and fiction." Tickets are $10 per person. No pets, strollers, or smoking on the tour. This tour is not for the faint of heart; it's a brisk walk through a labrynth of back alleys in Easton's Historic Downtown. Tour is not recommended for young children due to scary stories and adult language. All children must be accompanied by an adult and pay the full ticket price. Tour runs rain or shine. Tour meets on Centre Square, in front of the Crayola Experience. Click here for more details or to purchase advance  tickets online.

The Barrel House Brothers: 8 p.m. Black and Blue, 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or www.blackandblueeaston.com

Orange and Black Dance: 8 to 11 p.m. Music by King Henry & The Showmen, wear something orange or black or a Halloween costume, prizes awarded. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 610-258-4461

The Big Wahu: 8 to 11 p.m. Caribbean and contemporary music. Mesa Modern Mexican, 42 South Third St. 610-829-2101 or www.mesamexican.com

Node: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Steve Brosky & Jimmy Meyers: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Second Chance Rodeo: 9 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

The Roux: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Another Lousy Cover Band: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

Halloween Party, with Truth and Soul: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Halloween Bash: Up to $500 in cash and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, with Jamal Knight entertaining the crowd all night. Drinky's, 5 Centre Square. www.drinkys.com

Batuque's Bloody Halloween Bash: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dance party featuring DJ Teez, wicked drink specials, tasty tricks and treats. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, must be 21 to attend. Best costume contest at midnight. Batuque, 154 Northampton St., 610-250-7171 or www.batuquepa.com

Sunday, October 27

Championship CFA Cat Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 225 pedigree cats and household pets judged, meet the cats and exhibitors and shop for unique cat items. Admission is $6 per person, $5 for seniors and kids, or $20 for a family of four. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 610-252-2098

DJ Brad Scott Smith with DJ Mumbler: Noon to 4 p.m., during brunch. Valenca, 64-66 Centre Square. 610-923-5141 or www.valencarestauranteaston.com

The Great Halloween Parade of Phillipsburg/Easton: 3 p.m. This year's parade is expected to draw a crowd of more than 5,000 as local groups and individuals scarily strut their stuff in celebration of the spookiest day of the year. Beginning in Phillipsburg, NJ, at McKeen Street, the parade proceeds over the free bridge to Easton and up Northampton Street, ultimately ending in Centre Square.

Allentown Band: 3 p.m. Featuring Lauren Curnow, mezzo soprano, and Jeffrey Curnow, associate principal trumpet with Philadelphia Orchestra. Music of Wagner, Bizet, Dvorak, Gould, Gershwin, Sousa and more. General admission is $20 at the door, seniors and students are $12. Trinity Episcopal Church, 234 Spring Garden St. 610-253-0792

Halloween Block Party: 4 to 8 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court. www.rivalseaston.com

BC Combo: 5:30 p.m. Bella Luna, 3417 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-7458

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Haunting Halloween Happenings Abound in Easton

While Halloween doesn't officially happen until next Thursday, October 31, the immense popularity of the holiday means many will get into the spirit of things this weekend. And, there are plenty of opportunities for both children and adults in Easton to enjoy it!

Here's what's happening in and around Easton...

For all ages

 The Easton Farmers’ Market will host the 16th annual Scarecrow Fest this Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Centre Square. While not strictly a Halloween happening, this annual harvest event is a great way to enjoy the season. A scarecrow building contest is the highlight--for $10, including all you need, including expert assistance from the EFM scarecrow techs, build your own scarecrow that can be either left to display on the Centre Square or taken home with you after the event. Participants are also welcome to bring their own "add-ons" or clothing to customize their scarecrow creations. Contest categories include the funniest, most artful, scariest, most glamorous, and cutest scarecrows, along with the best character look-alike scarecrow and the one judged to be the best designed by a group. Judging takes place at 1:30 p.m., and prizes include Downtown Easton gift cards, gift certificates for the State Theatre, Purple Cow Creamery, Carmelcorn Shop, and a variety of Crayola products and Easton Farmers’ Market merchandise. Other activities throughout the day include a pumpkin bake-off at 11 a.m., live music featuring Chuck Shaffer and Fool Moon Howlin', pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, Halloween games, harvest storytime and a giant corn play pit. For more information, visit www.EastonFarmersMarket.com

"Jay's Halloween Bowling Fund Raiser" happens on Saturday, October 26 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Bar-Don Lanes, 3700 Nicholas St. in Palmer Township. All proceeds benefit the Bowen family, whose father passed away suddenly in May, leaving behind his wife and five children, the youngest of which was born in September. Tickets to the event are $15 and include three games. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for the best, and a 50/50 drawing and a silent raffle will all be part of the event too. Call 610-258-0221 for more details.

The Northampton County Miracle League will hold a trick-or-treat at the Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road in Palmer Township on Saturday, October 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, October 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The annual Great Halloween Parade of Phillipsburg/Easton takes place on Sunday, October 27 at 3 p.m. and is expected to draw a crowd of more than 5,000 as local groups and individuals scarily strut their stuff in celebration of the spookiest day of the year. Beginning in Phillipsburg, NJ, at McKeen Street, the parade proceeds over the free bridge to Easton and up Northampton Street, ultimately ending in Centre Square.

Unlike some places, which "reschedule" Halloween to a weekend or some other "more convenient" time, the City of Easton and all the surrounding municipalities, including Wilson Borough, West Easton, Glendon, Palmer Township, Forks Township, and Williams Township all honor the holiday in the traditional manner with official trick-or-treat times on Thursday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A "Truck or Treat" event will be hosted by Green Pastures Community Church at 28 North 10th St. in Easton on Thursday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., offering neighborhood children goodies and various activities. Call 610-253-8001 for more details.

And, Easton's Weed and Seed organization will again host "Light the Night", on Thursday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., offering an evening of fun activities and safe trick-or-treating in Centennial Park, on the corner of South 12th and Ferry streets. The event will happen rain or shine.

For adults:

 

Kicking off the spooky festivities of the weekend, Mothers Bar & Grill, at 3 Lehn's Court just off of Centre Square will hold a Halloween bash beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 25. Headliner Gloominous Doom will be joined by Super Truck, Chinga, Skinneo, Vengents, and Anticitizen, promising a headbanging good time all night. Call 610-253-1012 for more details.


The 10th Annual Haunted Easton Tour happens again this Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 at 8 p.m. "Join our guides and ghouls for hysterics and history in the labyrinth streets of Easton; reaping centuries of fact and fiction." Tickets are $10 per person. No pets, strollers, or smoking on the tour. This tour is not for the faint of heart, it's a brisk walk through a labyrinth of back alleys in Easton's Historic Downtown. Tour is not recommended for young children due to scary stories and adult language. All children must be accompanied by an adult and pay the full ticket price.  Tour meets on Centre Square, in front of the Crayola Experience. Click here for more details or to purchase advance tickets online.

Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, just off Centre Square at 5 Lehn's Court,  is celebrating the coming of Halloween all weekend with a "Heaven and Hell" theme.  Friday, October 25, Philadelphia Funk Authority plays at 7:30 p.m., and DJ LAX takes over at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26, Uncle Rocco takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., and DJ Mike West rocks the house at 10 p.m. $500 in cash prizes for costumes are promised for both evenings. Sunday, October 27, the bar will host a block party from 4 to 8 p.m. outside the bar.

Drinky's, at 5 Centre Square, will also celebrate Halloween early, with a Halloween bash on  Saturday, 26. Up to $500 in cash and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, with Jamal Knight entertaining the crowd all night.

Benefiting the American Lung Association, a "Winter Wonderland Masquerade Gala" will be held on Saturday, October 26 from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Eastonian Holiday Inn Express, 90 Kunkle Drive in Palmer Township. Tickets are $150 per person or $275 per couple, and include an elegant multi-course dinner, dancing, games, live and silent auctions, and more. Formal attire and a mask are suggested, with awards to be distributed for the best costumes. Click here for more details.

An "Orange and Black Dance" is set for Saturday, October 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road in Palmer Township. The $10 per person admission includes live music by King Henry & The Showmen, and wearing something orange and black or a Halloween costume is encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for the best outfits. Call 610-258-4461 for more information.

Batuque's Bloody Halloween Bash is set for Saturday, October 26 from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Promising a "hauntingly good party", tickets to this event are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, available at the restaurant. Admission includes a dance party with DJ TEEZ, "tasty tricks and treats", drink specials, finger food, beer pong, glow sticks and a best costume contest at midnight. Batuque is located at 154 Northampton St.--call them for more details at 610-250-7171 or check out their website at www.batuquepa.com

Pearly Baker's Alehouse, at 11 Centre Square, will host a party on Halloween night, with DJ Richie R keeping the crowd energized beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Porters' Pub 24th annual Halloween Bash happens on Halloween night. A pumpkin carving contest ("we'll supply the pumkins, sharp knives and alcohol. You supply the talent!"), bobbing for apples, and a costume contest are all part of the fun. Located on the corner of Seventh and Northampton streets, Porters' has an outstanding collection of craft brews, with many seasonal selections including pumpkin beer and hard ciders too.

La Pazza Bar, on the corner of South 13th and Ferry streets, will be hosting what are probably the most creative and unusual Halloween events in Easton over two nights, starting on Halloween evening. "Return of the Living Mullet" on Thursday, October 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight will offer a
"Best in Show" prize for the best mullet, music jams, and "scary fun". Those wearing a mullet will get a free Jell-O shot too. And, for those still looking for spooky and surrealistic fun on Friday, November 1 (All Saints' Day, no less!), a tribute to the quintessential counterculture drag queen of the 20th century, "A Night of 1,000 Divines" should fit the bill perfectly. "Stuff it, fluff it, fill it out... it's time for your Divine close-up." A "Best in Show" prize will go to the best Divine costume, but even if dressing in drag isn't your thing, we'd be there just for the view! More info about both events is at www.lapazza.com or call 610-515-0888.