Historical society Spooktacular delivers hands on Halloween fun
By ANNA GILGOFF
Special to The Press
A creepy skeleton peered through the window of Dr. DF Reinert’s veterinary wagon at the rear of the haunted barn.
The bony remains appeared to welcome anyone who dared approach.
But the Weisenberg Lowhill Township Historical Society had more treats than tricks for the children who attended the annual Spooktacular on Oct. 27.
Opting out of the trunk or treat approach that has become standard this time of year, the kids had plenty to do, from pumpkin painting to scavenger hunts.
At the spooky barn, motion activated brooms and other items seemed to come to life, bringing more smiles than screams.
A barrel train ride climbed the gentle slopes of the grounds, and a parade invited the costumed children to meander around the outbuildings a few times vying for prizes.
Youngsters and their parents roamed, making stops at different stations.
“It’s been continual, with mostly 5- through 8-year-olds coming through,” said Keith Breininger, at the tractor shed.
He was one of the volunteers signing off on the scavenger hunt that invited the children to actually look at the historical society’s collection and identify those printed on a page.
“I like all the fall activities that are here for the kids,” said Nela O’Brien. “And this is something different.”
Rhonda Dengler said her grandchildren were engaged in the activities.
“They seem very interested and they’re having a good time,” she said. “They were looking forward to the fun.”
First timer Daphne Kline brought her two children to the Spooktacular.
“They like the decorations,” she said, as her kids searched for items in the scavenger hunt.
Members of the historical society worked in committees and were joined by other volunteers to make the event possible.
Jen Moyer was one of the volunteers.
“I’ve been with the bank for 20 years and I like doing this for the community,” she said, as she handed out pretzels and books.
First grader Paige Breininger summarized it all.
“I like to get candy,” she said.
At the Spooktacular, she got that and so much more.