Monsters, Marching Bands, and Magic: Castanea Township’s Annual Halloween Parade Captivates Community
By Emily Wright
CASTANEA — Brown Street in Castanea Township transformed into a vibrant scene of ghosts, goblins, witches, and a wide array of creative costumes on Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2025, as the community came together for the annual Halloween Parade. Organized by the Castanea Township Recreation Committee, in partnership with the Township Supervisors and Fire Company, this highly anticipated event drew a considerable crowd. Many eager families set out chairs along Brown Street hours in advance to claim their spots for the parade.
Although the parade officially began at 4:00 p.m., excitement filled the air long before then. By 3:30 p.m., spectators had gathered along the parade route, which began on Brown Street and concluded at the Castanea Fire Company.
Stationed at the corner of Brown Street and Jarrett Avenue, the parade judges Roberta Muthler, Angela “Kay” Caprio, and John Wadsworth—Castanea Township community members—had the challenging task of evaluating parade entries. They assessed participants in five categories: Best Group, Best Vehicle, Most Humorous/Funniest, Most Creative, and Judge’s Favorite.
Among the standout parade participants, the vibrant Turbulence Baton, Dance, and Twirling troupe took home the Best Group title for their energetic performance. Creativity was on full display throughout the parade, with the Nightmare Before Christmas float—a spooky and eye-catching 4-wheeler—earning the award for Best Vehicle. The Sassy Girl float impressed the judges with its imaginative presentation and was named Most Creative, while the whimsical Pirate Ship golf cart entry captured the hearts of the judges, earning the Judge’s Favorite award. Rounding out the list of memorable entries, both unicorn and spice-themed floats shared the Most Humorous title, delighting spectators with their playful spirit.
Making their debut at the Castanea Halloween Parade this year, the Commonwealth University-Lock Haven marching band and ROTC Color Guard brought a fresh burst of energy to the festivities. They joined the musical lineup alongside the accomplished marching bands from Bucktail Area High School, Central Mountain High School, and Sugar Valley Rural Charter School, creating a lively musical atmosphere as they made their way down the parade route.
Adding to the excitement, fire trucks from Citizens Hose Fire Company Station 6, Eastside Fire Rescue, Flemington Goodwill Fire Hose Company, Woolrich Volunteer Fire Company, and Castanea Fire Company rolled through the streets, their lights flashing as members and volunteers tossed candy to eager children. Meanwhile, members of the Castanea Township Recreation Committee embraced the Halloween spirit, donning creative costumes and riding on a decorative float as they distributed treats to young parade-goers.
Central Mountain Middle and High School cheerleaders amped up the community spirit with their enthusiastic routines. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Castanea Township Chairman Brandon Coleman and his wife, Jennifer, dressed in full costume, made a memorable appearance by distributing free pumpkins, squash, and cabbage to children along the parade route, much to the delight of parade-goers.
The celebration continued at the Castanea Fire Hall on McElhattan Avenue, where professional magician Richard Benninghoff of State College dazzled young parade-goers with a free children’s magic show. Laughter, gasps, and applause filled the hall as families capped off a perfect autumn day with magic, treats, and memories to last until next Halloween.
With a successful 2025 Halloween parade now in the books, Castanea Township looks forward to another year of tricks, treats, and togetherness.
