Local Groups Plan Special Events

Several local organizations are gearing up to deliver another fun Halloween season filled with the community's favorite traditions. Activities will include Trunk or Treats, where children travel from vehicle to vehicle collecting candy; a Halloween parade; a family bingo, which will include a costume contest; and a children's Halloween celebration.

Our Lady of Consolation Church (OLC) will host its annual Halloween Costume Family Bingo at the Schneider Parish Center, 2995 Cemetery Road, Parkesburg, on Saturday, Oct. 18. Doors will open at 5 p.m.; games will start at 6 p.m.

There will be food available for purchase, including pizza, hot dogs and pretzels, and a costume contest for people of all ages. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 610-857-0511 or email jdagney@olcchurch.org. Tickets purchased in advance will be discounted. For more information, visit the "OLC Annual Halloween Family Bingo" Facebook event page. Proceeds will benefit the church's vacation Bible school program.

This year's Parkesburg Lions Club Halloween Parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25. Registration and line-up will start at 1 p.m. in the parking lot of A. Duie Pyle, 100 S. Limestone Road, Parkesburg. The parade will step off at 2 p.m. The parade route will proceed down First Avenue ending at the judges' table.

"The Parkesburg Lions Club invites members of our community to dress in their best costumes and take part in the parade or come and watch the parade," said Lions Club member Robin McKenna. "Area clubs, churches, Scouts and groups of any kind are encouraged to be a part of this long-standing Parkesburg tradition. Should you like to have your vehicle in the parade, that is welcomed as well."

Judging will take place in front of the Keystone Valley Fire Department, 329 W. First Ave. Prizes will be awarded immediately following the parade in the pavilion at Minch Park, 111 West St., Parkesburg. Prize categories include best costume, adult and child; best group and float; best fire company; and best in parade.

For more information, visit the "Parkesburg Lions Club Halloween Parade!" Facebook event page.

Also on Oct. 25, the Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC) will host a Trunk or Treat in Minch Park immediately following the Lions Club Halloween Parade. The event will end at 7 p.m.

Additionally, the Parkesburg Borough Police Department will display one of its vehicles in the park, and officers will hand out treats, as well as glow sticks to be used on Halloween for trick-or-treating.

Vehicle owners who are interested in participating should contact Tina L. O'Connor at 484-576-0277 or experiencepositivetherapy@gmail.com to reserve a spot. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/PAC19365.

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, 406 Main St., Atglen, will hold a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. Children are encouraged to attend dressed in costume as they collect candy from decorated trunks.

The church trustees will also provide food items for purchase, including hot dogs, chicken fingers, french fries and beverages. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/PenningtonvillePC. Vehicle owners who would like to take part are asked to call the church office at 610-593-2173 to reserve a spot.

Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg, will hold a Halloween celebration for children ages 1 to 5 on Monday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Featured will be a Halloween story time and craft, followed by trick-or-treating at stations set up around the library. Story time will begin shortly after 5:30 p.m. However, children may stop by any time before 7 p.m. to trick-or-treat.

Registration is requested. To register, visit http://www.parkesburglibrary.org, choose "Upcoming Events" and select "Halloween Story Time & Trick or Treat (Ages 1-5)." Those with questions may call the library at 610-857-5165.