(Columbia, Pa) – By Tiberius James
For 79 years, Columbia’s Mardi Gras “Halloween” Parade has brought neighbors together, and on Thursday night, the tradition once again proved why it remains one of the community’s most cherished events.
Thousands of residents and visitors packed the streets as more than 90 floats, marching bands, fire apparatus, community groups, and costumed participants made their way through town. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Roots,” paid tribute to both Columbia’s 300th anniversary and America’s upcoming 250th birthday, creating a fitting backdrop for an evening focused on community pride and local history.
The parade stepped off at 7 p.m. from the Columbia Borough Fire Department at 10th and Manor streets before traveling its traditional route through the borough. Spectators lined sidewalks several rows deep along Manor, Fourth, Union, Second, Locust, and Sixth streets, cheering on participants throughout the mile-and-a-half procession. As always, the unmistakable sound of a steam calliope signaled the parade’s finale.
Serving as grand marshals were Jim and Vickie Anspach, longtime community volunteers whose dedication to organizations such as the Columbia Education Foundation, Mount Bethel Cemetery, and the Columbia Park Rangers has left a lasting impact on the borough.
Among the many local organizations participating in this year’s parade were neighboring Locust Street businesses Level Up Gaming and The Columbia Chronicle, which joined forces to create one of the night’s most generous giveaways.
Together, the two businesses distributed more than 500 video games and over 200 pounds of candy to excited children and families along the parade route.
Paul drove the Level Up Gaming vehicle, while Chronicle publisher Jesse Sweigart drove the Chronicle car. Sweigart and Kimberly Robinson own both businesses, which are located side-by-side at 438 and 436 Locust Street.
A team of volunteers helped keep the treats flowing throughout the evening, including Paul, Brooke, Charlie, Jenny, Cathy, Audrey, Kim, and Sweigart.
“It was very fun. We saw lots of faces,” Sweigart said with a smile. “We love this town.”
Their participation reflected one of the parade’s enduring strengths: local businesses investing back into the community that supports them.
The annual parade is organized by the Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers, who have worked for decades to preserve and grow the popular event. Held each year on the fourth Thursday of October, the parade features five sponsored divisions showcasing businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, emergency services, and community groups.
Judges walked the route evaluating floats, walking groups, and individual costumes, with prize money funded through donations collected during the event. Remaining proceeds are directed toward student scholarships and local charitable organizations, ensuring the celebration continues to benefit the community long after the last float passes by.
Food vendors and community groups filled portions of the route, particularly along Locust Street, creating a festive atmosphere that encouraged families to arrive early and stay downtown long after dark.
The parade also caps another successful year for the Columbia Lions Club. Following its annual summer car show, the organization recently donated $20,000 to the Columbia Borough Fire Department toward the purchase of a new $2.2 million aerial ladder truck, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting local public safety services.
Winners in the float, walking group, and costume categories will be announced once official results are released by parade organizers.
As the final float rolled through town and children compared their candy hauls, one thing became clear: after nearly eight decades, Columbia’s Halloween Parade remains as strong and beloved as ever.
And with the landmark 80th anniversary parade just one year away, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable night in Columbia.
