As we settle into Fall, we tend to gather more closely with family and friends. We can attribute this to diminishing summer activities along with more time inside due to cooler temperatures.
Many communities, organizations and businesses work together to offer a variety of family-oriented events and activities. Most notably are fall festivals, homemade crafts on display by main street merchants, as well as train rides to view the fall foliage.
Restaurants entice patrons to come inside with fall decorations and by enhancing their menus to include more seasonal entrees along with hearty soups and appetizers. Pumpkin spice abounds in their cuisines and drinks.
It’s Trick-or-Treat Time
All-Hallows-Eve (Halloween) is probably the largest events that occurs this month. The various activities that surround Halloween become more numerous each year as Trick-or-Treat night begins to engulf local communities. As we move closer to October 31st, most communities host parades that include high school bands and Halloween themed floats. Children of all ages march alongside in spooky costumes or wearing outfits depicting their favorite super-hero. Then, on Halloween night these adorable children walk door to door collecting tasty goodies by shouting “trick-or-treat!” to welcoming residences.
It wasn’t too long ago that members of Harmony Lodge No 429 tried something new. They opened the doors of their Masonic Building on Halloween night. This was in an effort to support and participate in the Zelienople community’s Trick-or-Treat night (https://www.facebook.com/zelieboro/). To the members’ surprise, hundreds in costume visited the building.
The following year, members of the Lodge wore costumes depicting famous Masons. Additionally, hot apple cider for the parents and chaperones as well as guided tours of the building were offered along with the traditional assortment of treats. These tours included public viewing of the Lodge room and the Social Hall. Many asked about rental opportunities considering the Social Hall seats 80 people and has a fully-equipped kitchen.
New Attractions
Each year, the Halloween/Open House event at the Masonic Building continues to grow with new attractions added. The event now includes a large Halloween/Fall themed model train layout created by the Model Train Club of Zelienople (https://www.facebook.com/MTCofZ). The layout is highlighted with fluorescent paints and illuminated with black lights. All of this is displayed in a family-friendly darkened Social Hall.
State-Wide Recognition
Trick-or-Treat night at the Masonic Building is extremely popular and has become a must-see event. So much so that it has received state-wide recognition. See page 18 of the 2021 Summer Edition of The PA Freemason magazine.
This year we hope you enjoy time with family and friends by participating in the many Fall activities that are happening throughout the area. And, if you’re on E. Beaver Street in Zelienople on Halloween night be sure to stop in at the Masonic Building for a treat and a cup of hot apple cider.
