Events: Celebrating Halloween with harvest-time fun
Oct. 23—"I haven't had anyone call for help yet," Logan Broyan said with a laugh, explaining that folks who visit the maze at his family's farm in Nescopeck tend to find their way out of the dried cornstalks in 30 or 45 minutes or so.
Sound scary? Not a bit! And maybe it's just what you're looking for.
With one week left until Halloween, we've compiled a list of area activities that won't leave you whimpering or afraid to turn off the lights when you're home alone.
You won't find haunted houses here, but maybe you'll find a sincere pumpkin patch. Or some goats and bunnies to pet. Or an opportunity to learn why bats are our friends (they sure do eat a lot of bugs.)
In that "friendly spirit," here are some items you might want to put on your calendar. Please note, the "Trunk or Treat" events and the activities at Hickory Run and Nescopeck State Park are free to participants.
Broyan's Farm Maze, 493 Berwick/Hazleton Highway, Nescopeck. Hours for the maze are 3 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 11 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 to 8 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 6. Activities include tractor-pulled wagon rides, "hay bale bowling" using small pins and a plastic ball; cornhole, playing checkers with mini pumpkins, a bounce house for small kids, farm animals to pet, and more. The maze is not clearly visible from the road, so look for Good Time Golf, 483 Berwick Hazleton Highway, and pull into that parking lot. More info, 570-912-2891.
"Trunk or Treat" sponsored by Jenkins Township and Plaid Community Church, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday Oct. 23 at 1575 River Road, Jenkins Township, with hay rides, hot cider, popcorn and free hot dogs while they last. Info, 570-991-7028.
"Trunk or Treat" sponsored by Swoyersville Kiwanis Club and Seton Knights of Columbus, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and School grounds, Hughes Street, Swoyersville. Dressing is costume is encouraged for everyone, and there will be BDT prizes for Best Dressed Trunk.
"Young Frankenstein, the Musical." Based on the Mel Brooks film, the comedy will be presented through Nov. 6, with shows at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Buffet dinner served 90 minutes before curtain. To make reservations, call 570-283-2195 or e-mail reservations@musicbox.org.
Trunk or Treat sponsored by Moving River Ministries, "non-scary and sensory-friendly," 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 in the parking lot at the historic Planters Peanuts building, 632 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, with appearances by pirates and Mr. Peanut expected.
Family Science Night: Bats, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. Elementary students and their families are invited for hands-on science fun focused on these amazing creatures of the night. Registration is required. Please register all who will be in attendance at events.dcnr.pa.gov/. The park office is 570-403-2006.
All Hallows Night Hike, starting 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Hickory Run State Park, Visitor Center, 3 Family Camp Road, White Haven. Explore the forest at night with a mild hike on park trails. Your guide will talk along the way about seasonal changes, local history and how animals prepare for winter. The hike will cover some uneven ground and elevation changes, so wear proper shoes, warm clothes and bring a flashlight. In the event of rain, this program will go on as scheduled. In the event of a thunderstorm, it will be canceled. Registration is preferred for this program, at events.dcnr.pa.gov/. The park office is 570-443-0400.
Jack-O-Lantern Jog, a 3-mile run along the Luzerne County Recreation Trail in Pittston, 9 a.m. Oct. 29. Costumes recommended and prizes will be awarded in various categories. Proceeds benefit the Greater Pittston YMCA. Children who register for 1-mile fun run will receive a goody bag and a free pass to the Y's Pumpkin Swim after the race at 11 a.m. Same day registration begins 7:30 a.m. in the main lobby of the YMCA. More info, Jeremy Popiel at 570-931-3700.
Spooky Days on the Farm, tours starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29, with last tour beginning at 8 p.m., at Quiet Valley Living History Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. OK, this one might be a little scary. Organizers don't advise it for children younger than 7. But everyone 8 and older is invited to help solve a murder mystery as a guide escorts you around the farm to meet suspects and gather clues. The farm is extremely dark at night and visitors are urged to bring flashlights. Admission is $18 for adults; $10 for ages 12 and younger. Info 570-992-6161.
Halloween Fun Day, Free trick-or treating at Kirby Park, with games, prizes, bounce house, live music, vendors, food at cost and more, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30.
Rolling Mill Hill Residents Association "Trunk or Treat," 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 near Dodson School in Wilkes-Barre. Jones Street will be closed to traffic from Airy Street to the area of the school. Anyone wishing to distribute candy or make donations for the kids that evening may contact Mary Ellen Jones at 570-331-8253 in advance. The public is welcome to join Wilkes-Barre City Councilman Tony Brooks and the neighbors of Jones Street.
Reach Mary Therese Biebel at 570-991-6109 or on Twitter @BiebelMT
