The Vera Cruz Community Association will host the annual Vera Cruz Halloween Parade Oct. 18.

The rain date is Oct. 19.

Parade participants will gather at Mystic Chain Park, 3718 Main Road East, 6:30 p.m. and the parade steps off promptly at 7 p.m.

DJ Cesar Rosado will emcee during the parade, which passes through the center of Vera Cruz four times.

All are invited to participate in the parade, which will feature floats as well as individual walkers and groups of marchers. Past participants have included Scout Troops, school groups, the Emmaus High School marching band and the forever scary Haunted Hauler, a flatbed truck displaying an eerie live action Halloween scene.

Prizes will be awarded in various categories.

According to organizers, no food will be served by Vera Cruz Community Association members and volunteers this year. However, food will be available at the Vera Cruz Tavern and Papa Rossi’s Pizzeria, both located in Vera Cruz. Papa Rossi’s accepts online orders.

If you are contemplating dressing as a firefighter for the Halloween parade, consider doing research at the Vera Cruz Fire Department open house 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7 at the fire station, 4093 Main Road West.

The day will include station tours, special guest Smokey Bear and opportunities to meet and talk with local volunteer firefighters and other first responders.

Continue your research efforts Oct. 9 when Upper Milford Western District Fire Company, 6341 Chestnut St., Zionsville, will offer a takeout chicken barbecue dinner 3 to 6 p.m.

Tickets are available through the fire company website, from firefighters and at the time of meal pickup. Dinner includes 1/2 of a barbecue chicken, 1/2 baked potato, applesauce and a roll. For additional details and/or tickets call Rosie at 610-966-3367.

The Upper Milford Youth Association will host a Halloween Trick or Treat-Fun at the Park event at Lenape Park, 6102 Kings Highway South, Zionsville, starting 3 p.m. Oct. 28. Highlights will include a decorating contest, a 50/50 raffle, games, snacks and prizes.

On Oct. 26, join the Upper Milford Historical Society for a lecture by Peter Smith on Shimerville during the 1950s and 1960s. The lecture will be at the Upper Milford Township municipal building, 5671 Chestnut St. Doors open 6 p.m.

The Seed Farm is accepting applications for the 2024 farm business incubator program. Program highlights include affordable access to land, equipment, technical assistance and advice to help aspiring farmers launch new farm businesses at low cost and with low risk at The Seed Farm campus. Visit the website theseedfarm.org for details.

Aspiring artists in Lower Milford Township may want to take advantage of two upcoming events at the Southern Lehigh Library, the home library for township residents, 3200 Preston Lane, Center Valley.

The library is hosting a pumpkin painting competition. Participants can decorate or paint a pumpkin. No carved or open pumpkins will be accepted. Pumpkins can be dropped off at the library 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14. Winners will be announced Oct. 31. The competition is open to all ages.

Artists 16 years and older are welcome to submit artwork for the “Lots of Color” exhibit at the library. Artwork can be delivered to the library between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21. Two works can be submitted.

Artists are encouraged to create works crowded with color and may submit two dimensional works such as photographs, paintings and small fiber art projects for display on the library walls. The exhibit will continue into January 2024.

For full details on either opportunity, visit the library website at www.solehipl.org.

Lower Milford Township board of supervisors will meet 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 19 in the municipal building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road. Upper Milford Township board of supervisors will meet 7 p.m. Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 in the municipal building, 5671 Chestnut St. There is also an online option.

Visit the respective township websites for more information.