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; and a family bingo, which will include a costume contest.

A Trunk or Treat will be presented by the Christiana Borough Police Department on Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. The event will also feature free food, giveaways and marshmallow roasting, followed by an outdoor movie at the Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave.

Activities will take place in the library parking lot and across the street at Christiana Borough Hall, 10 W. Slokom Ave. "We mostly are in the library parking lot and Chantry Place (located next to the library)," explained Christiana Borough Police Officer Brian Smyth. "We usually shut the street down so people can walk back and forth."

He noted that about 15 vehicles took part in the event last year. Local first responders, including Christiana Ambulance and Christiana Fire Company, also brought emergency vehicles to the event. "Some people go all out," Smyth said, adding that organizers hope to attract even more vehicles this year. "Last year, someone brought in a trailer and decorated it. It's whatever they want to do."

Free food items that will be served throughout the night will include pizza, pretzels and candy, along with beverages. "Wawa is going to bring hoagies this year," Smyth said. "We bring in an outdoor propane fire kit for marshmallow roasting and an outdoor heater to keep people warm." Marshmallows will be provided.

"Transylvania 3" will be the movie shown on a giant screen in the library parking lot to end the evening.

Attendees, as well as vehicle owners, are asked to register by emailing smythb@christianapd.org. "We ask that people register in advance to gauge how many people might be coming," Smyth said. However, he added, walk-ins will also be welcome.

In the event of rain, the Trunk or Treat will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/christianaboroughpd.

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. Judging will take place in front of the Keystone Valley Fire Department, 329 W. First Ave.

Community participants are encouraged to be a part of the parade, including individuals and families in costume, along with area clubs, churches, Scouts and civic groups. Drivers of specialty vehicles are also welcome.

Prizes will be awarded immediately following the parade in the pavilion at Minch Park, 111 West St., Parkesburg. 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.

PAC is currently seeking residents who would like to decorate their vehicles for the Trunk or Treat. Those 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.