By Doug La Rocque
Halloween became both a learning experience and a time for some fun for both old and young this year. [private]
On Saturday, October 24 the Grafton Lakes State Park held its 8th annual Trick or Treat Nature Trail. An event that continues to grow each year, saw 270 participants walk down the jack-o-lantern lit trail, stopping as park staff and volunteers dressed as mother nature’s animals explained to all about the forest and those who live there. Park Naturalist Liz Wagner said it has become an annual family event for many around the Capital Region. It’s also an undertaking that requires an intense two weeks or more of preparation, laying out the trail, making the elaborate costumes, writing the scripts and rehearsals.
Halloween night in Berlin brings a custom that goes as far back as Youth Commission Director Tammy Osterhout can remember. After an evening of trick or treating door to door in the village, all were welcomed to the Berlin Fire House for the costume parade, refreshments and this year a few whacks at the piñata, of course filled with candy.
In Petersburgh, the Music and Arts Café held a special Halloween gathering at the Veterans Memorial Community Center. Those in and out of costume enjoyed a harvest pot luck dinner, and music by Jack Empie and Friends.[/private]