The Emmaus Public Library has many exciting events planned for this fall. The library hosts fall story time 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesday mornings. All ages are welcome to drop in, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Storytime will include seasonal stories, songs, and crafts. Storytime will run every Wednesday Oct. 4 through Dec. 20.

The annual Community Heroes Day will be held 6-8 p.m. Oct. 5 in the library’s parking lot. The parking lot will close 5 p.m. in anticipation of this special event. Local firefighters, EMTs and police officers will be present for demonstrations of their equipment and vehicles. Thank you for supporting our incredible first responders!

Oct. 9 will feature a “Historical Lehigh in Pictures” program in the Margaret Knoll Gardner Lecture Room 6:30-7:30 p.m. Photographer Gary Heller will showcase his photos of nearby historical buildings and share stories along the way. Heller owns Historic Rescue Photography and specializes in historical photography, taking photos of over 50 significant buildings. All adults are encouraged to experience Lehigh County through a historic viewpoint and should RSVP by emailing eplcollection@cliu.org, calling 610-965-9284 or visiting the library desk.

Every fourth Thursday is Books and Barks at the Emmaus Public Library. The Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs will be waiting 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the Margaret Knoll Gardner Lecture Room so children of all ages can read their favorite stories, either one of their own or the library’s. All dogs at Books and Barks are trained, evaluated and registered as therapy dogs.

The November Books and Barks will be held 6:30-7:45 p.m. on the third Thursday at the library.

For more information about these listed events, or to discover all the free entertainment and education services the library offers, visit emmauspl.org.

The 17th annual Halloween in Emmaus 5K race, presented by Wesley Works Real Estate, is now open for registration. The 5K will be 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21, with 5 p.m. Oct. 22 as a rain date. Proceeds support the Emmaus parks system and the Emmaus Halloween Parade. The race starts at Ninth and Chestnut streets and finishes in Triangle Park. For the full Halloween experience, runners are welcome to run in a costume, with prizes for both fastest times and best costumes. The Halloween in Emmaus 5K Facebook page will post the costume contest categories at a later date. Runners may register at Emmaus5k.com.

The annual Emmaus Halloween Parade will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 21, with 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 as a rain date. The parade has continued for over 100 years and showcases many creative floats and local organizations.

The parade commences at Keystone and Ridge streets, heads west on Ridge Street to Sixth Street, makes a slight turn onto Walnut Street and proceeds west until Ninth Street. Then it goes south on Ninth Street until Chestnut Street, when it turns east and continues until Main Street and back again onto Keystone Avenue.

Every year the parade costs more than $20,000, so donations are always appreciated. Please consider donating through a check or at emmausparade.com/donate.

A drop box is available inside borough hall for donations. Volunteers, especially young ones, are also needed to help the parade run smoothly. The parade committee is looking for division captains, float masters and judges. Go to emmausparade.com/contact if interested or email EmmausParade@aol.com with any questions.

All participating bands, groups and floats must register and abide by the parade rules and regulations. Bands must register by Oct. 1 and groups and floats must register by Oct. 9. Get into the spooky spirit and enjoy this Emmaus tradition.

Lower Lehigh AARP will meet noon Oct. 12 at the lower level of Macungie Memorial Park hall. Dues will be collected. Bring both cards. Dec. 14 Christmas party tickets will be available. Call Dot at 610-967-3284 for more information.

The Emmaus Historical Society and Museum, 218 Main St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Stop by for a visit and learn more about this history-filled community and see the new fall displays. The historical society’s next program and membership meeting will be 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at St. John’s Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 501 Chestnut St.

This program will be “Vintage and Rare Postcards of Emmaus” presented by Andrew Kerstetter. Mark your calendars for the November program, “Penn’s Woods, the Peaceable Kingdom” presented by Carla J.S. Messinger. This program will be an in-depth look at the relations of the Lenape with the Quakers, the Moravians and the later euro cultures. Programs are free and members and nonmembers are welcome to attend.

The society is selling Dan Schantz Monthly Madness Cards. Get free seasonal products and/or use the bonus coupons for your fall mums and pumpkins. Stop in the museum Saturdays to purchase your cards or call the museum to place an order at 610-966-6591. The cards do not expire. You can use them until every month is crossed off. Cards will also be available at all society sponsored events.

The Emmaus Historical Society is now accepting donations for the June 1, 2024 community yard sale. As you prepare for the fall and holiday seasons – perhaps bringing in new for yourself – donate the old to become someone else’s “new.” The society cannot accept clothing, upholstered furniture, electronics (small appliances are accepted), nor baby items; such as swings, car seats, cribs, playpens, etc. The community yard sale is the society’s largest single fundraising event. The community’s generosity in both donating and purchasing is greatly appreciated. Donations are accepted most Saturdays during the museum hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The society’s museum committee appreciates all donations of memorabilia that came from, was used or enjoyed by those in Emaus/Emmaus.

The museum committee would love to have some new vintage Halloween decorations for this fall. Call the office at 610-966-6591 to inquire whether what you have is what they want.

Stay informed about all Emmaus Historical Society happenings by visiting their website emmaushistoricalsociety.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Emmaus Borough Council will hold meetings 6-7 p.m. Oct. 2 and 16. Meetings are held at the remodeled borough hall, 28 S. Fourth St., Emmaus and are always accessible through Zoom.

The Emmaus Arts Commission will meet 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 via Zoom.

The next planning commission meeting will be 7-8 p.m. Oct. 12 via Zoom. You may view borough meeting times and locations through the calendar at emmauspa.gov.

Please email caparay@gmail.com with information about any upcoming events in the Emmaus area.

The next Emmaus column will be published Oct. 25 and helps the community stay connected.