The Parkesburg Lions Club is gearing up for its annual Halloween festivities. Club members are also continuing to collect plastics that will be recycled into benches. Two benches were dedicated in the community this past summer.

The Parkesburg Lions Club Halloween Parade, followed by a Lions-organized Trunk or Treat event, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28. The parade will begin at the A. Duie Pyle parking lot at 100 S. Limestone Road, Parkesburg. Registration will begin at 3 p.m., and the parade will step off at 4 p.m. Awards for parade winners will be announced in Minch Park. Trunk or Treat will also be offered in Minch Park following the parade awards presentation.

The Lions are currently seeking organizations, bands and other groups that would like to march in the parade or present a float, as well as vehicle owners who would like to drive the parade route. Individuals may contact Lions Club president Robin McKenna at robinmckenna@comcast.net to register. Same-day registrations will also be accepted.

Those who would like to decorate a vehicle trunk and hand out treats to children in Minch Park after the parade are asked to register in advance by contacting Karen Fronefield at 484-678-4231.

The activities are part of the Fall Festival and car show being conducted in the park by Everybody Plays! Complete details about events in Parkesburg on Oct. 28 can be found on the Facebook event page "Parkesburg Halloween Celebration."

Additionally, the Parkesburg Lions Club held dedication ceremonies for two community benches earned through the TREX recycling program on July 30.

The first dedication was held in front of the Parkesburg VFW, 406 W. Fourth Ave. "The bench was dedicated to Joann Carmen, who was instrumental in running the Parkesburg VFW for many years," said McKenna. "Having a large flag displayed at ceremonies was important to Joann, so the Keystone Valley Fire Department heard of the bench dedications and brought the ladder truck along with the large American flag to display for the ceremony. Members of the VFW cut the ribbon on the bench where it now resides at the VFW flagpole."

The second bench was dedicated to Thaddeus "Bud" Wilde in front of the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg. "His family had a lovely picture of Bud that they placed on the bench for the dedication," said McKenna. "Bud's family cut the ribbon to dedicate this bench."

Pastor Mark Beideman from Parkesburg United Methodist Church provided the prayer at both dedications, and Lions Club member Nancy Gauthier and Parkesburg Mayor John Hagan offered remarks.

Currently, plastics are being collected at the Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg: Fulton Bank, 100 W. First Ave., Parkesburg; Octorara Elementary School, 104 Highland Road, Atglen; Gabe's Pizza Place, 428 W. First Ave, Parkesburg; the Octorara Area Food Cupboard, 714 Main St., Parkesburg; and Pine Creek Animal Hospital, 150 Pine Creek Drive, Gap.

"The Parkesburg Lions hopes to earn many more benches for Parkesburg," said McKenna, adding that those who have a suggestion for bench placement are asked to message the Lions Club on its Facebook page, "Parkesburg Lions Club - New and Improved."