A local man who is known for wearing many hats has announced that he is finally hanging one of them up for good.
Hellertown Halloween Parade chairman David Heintzelman informed the community on Monday that Sunday’s parade was officially his last in that role.
“It is with sincere gratitude and a touch of sadness that I announce my retirement from the Hellertown Halloween Parade Committee,” he said in a post on the parade’s Facebook page. “I would like to extend my deepest thanks to my entire family for their unwavering support, and to my business staff for their patience and understanding during the demanding weeks that accompany this event each year. My appreciation also goes to the Borough of Hellertown and to our residents–thank you for your continued cooperation and for graciously accommodating the temporary inconveniences that come with hosting such a large-scale celebration.”
In addition to his role as volunteer parade committee chairman, Heintzelman is also the current mayor of Hellertown and the owner of Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc. on Main Street in the borough.
Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman speaks at the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber’s 2025 Honors and Hors d’oeuvres event. (FILE PHOTO)
He noted that when he first become involved with the parade approximately 35 years ago, it was held on the north side of Hellertown and was under the direction of Joseph Chunko and James Sigworth.
Today, the parade is held on the south side of town, where it draws thousands of spectators each year.
Heintzelman called the 2025 parade held Sunday “our largest and most successful yet.” He also noted that a community after-party held in Dimmick Park “was also an incredible highlight and testament to our shared community pride.”
The winners of the 2025 parade were as follows:
Best Appearing Float
1st Place – Saucon Valley Youth Sports Lego
2nd Place – Bettler Bros. Racing
3rd Place – Pichel-McGovern Farms
Best Appearing Individual/Small Group
1st Place – Crash Victim
2nd Place – USA Miss Lehigh Valley
3rd Place – Saucon Sewer and Drain
Best Appearing Medium to Large Group
1st Place – Saucon Valley Soccer League
2nd Place – Saucon Valley Youth Basketball
3rd Place – ACS Relay for Life
Judges’ Choice – Theme Choice (“Celebrating Nonprofits”)
1st Place – Hellertown Tattoo Co.
Runner Up – Service Electric Cable TV