Everyone loves a pumpkin, especially when it's free. His was chosen Sunday at Lower Pottsgrove's Fall Festival.
POTTSTOWN PA – It’s the weekend that dentists dread (all that candy), that mothers obsess over (all that costume preparation), and that kids revel in (all that fun).
Halloween is Saturday. Many events and activities are scheduled; a list compiled by The Post follows.
None usually are bigger, however, than the annual – and by now traditional – YMCA Halloween Safehouse Treat Trail that will be held Friday (Oct. 30, 2009) from 6-8 p.m. in the Pottstown branch of the Freedom Valley YMCA, Adams and Jackson Streets, Pottstown PA.
The YMCA Safehouse serves two purposes: it provides a sheltered and supervised place where costumed (or not) youngsters can enjoy themselves without trouble; and it also collects canned food (the price of admission is one food item) that is donated to local food banks.
Local organizations, businesses and service groups provide and distribute goodies on the Treat Trail. Music will be offered by SS Entertainment; Joe Magic will perform magical tricks, and local volunteers will conjure up a few Halloween surprises. For more information, call The Y at 610-323-7300 Ext. 10.
If you’re up for a pageant, the Collegeville Halloween Parade will be held tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009) beginning at 6:30 p.m. from the 400 block of Main Street in Collegeville PA. The Birdsboro Halloween Parade follows on Thursday (Oct. 29, 2009) beginning at 7 p.m. from the parking lot of Daniel Boone Senior High School, Chestnut Street, Birdsboro PA.
Also scheduled:
Friday, Oct. 30
- Ride Noah’s Ark … Sort Of
Wilcox Farms, 1134 Reading Ave., Boyertown PA, again this year hosts one of the largest corn mazes in the area, open Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Nov. 30 (2009). This year’s maze is carved in the image of Noah’s Ark. Cost is $8 per person; $6 per person for groups of 10 or more. The farm also offers a play area; its admission cost is $5. - How The Schools Celebrate
Not “Halloween,” but Fall Festivals, will mark the season in Pottsgrove School District elementary schools, Pottstown PA. Activities are set to begin at 2:50 p.m., and vary by school. - Shop In Costume
Philadelphia Premium Outlets is hosting a Halloween “Spook-tacular” party from 4-7 p.m. in the shopping center on West Lightcap Road, Limerick PA. Children of all ages may go trick-or-treating at participating stores, which will provide candy and sweets while supplies last. A costume contest will be held near the food court at 6:30 p.m. Winners will be eligible for stores’ prizes, as well as tickets to productions at the Kimmel Center theater in Philadelphia. Live entertainment during the evening will be provided by the Kimmel Center’s Broadway performers. - Pizza, And A Side Order Of Creepies
Mike’s Brick Oven Pizza, 601 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown PA, has built its annual Horror Hotel with new features this year, and is open Friday through Sunday from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Parents can take kids on “not so scary tours” from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; after that, all bets are off on the creepiness. Admission is $10 per person with group rates for 15 or more people. - Calling All Saints
A Fall Saints Festival, which intends to provide a non-scary and safe environment to celebrate Halloween with small children, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church and Preschool, 660 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown PA. The event includes fun activities for families, food, a costume parade and Bingo games. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call the church office at 610-323-9320.
Don't worry: those are only plastic Black Widow spiders being thrown into the web during Lower Pottsgrove's Fall Festival last Sunday.
Saturday, Oct. 31
- Horsin’ Around For Halloween
The Central Montgomery County 4-H Horse and Pony Club will present its Halloween-themed 2009 Fall Fun Horse Show beginning at 9 a.m. in the county Cooperative Extension Center, PA Route 113, Skippack PA. The show’s costume division includes a special class for “best dressed any animal,” and the event also offers gaming and racing classes, and food. For more information, call 610-287-7619. - Enchanting Halloween With A Nature Theme
The Great Valley Nature Center will hold an Enchanted Halloween Story Trail for the 16th year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its headquarters, 4251 State Rd., Devault PA. It features storybook characters than fit an environmental theme: Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, Tinkerbell, Wall-E, Professor Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series, and even Super Mario. Reservations for hourly walk-throughs are available. Cost is $5 for members, $6 for nonmembers. Regisgration is required; call 610-935-9777. - Trick Or Treat, It’s The Grease Band
As a Halloween treat, rock ‘n roll oldies performed by The Fabulous Greaseband return at 8 p.m. to the stage of Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Rd., Pottstown PA. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Sunnybrook box office Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, or from 1-4:30 p.m. at 484-624-5186. - Community Block Party In Douglassville
Hope United Methodist Church and Thunder Outreach, both in Amity, will provide a free community block party and safe zone from 6-9 p.m. at Amity Gardens Park, Lake Drive, Douglassville PA. The event features safe candy, food, games, music, and fun activities. - Horns And Halos
A Horns and Halos Halloween Party for adults will be held tonight at The Brick House Grille and Restaurant, 152 E. High St., Pottstown PA. It features a disc jockey, contests, prizes, costumes and special prices on beverages. For more information, call 610-906-3527.
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