Miller Minutes: Haunted happenings in Butler County are underway
I’m really struggling to think of a Halloween costume.
I have never been a fan of spooky costumes, and I always fear having to explain my outfit to strangers when attending a party or passing out candy. These fears always determine what I end up being. And so every year I make a costume with everyone else in mind and not myself.
If I had it my way, I would be someone or something no one would recognize because most of my costume ideas stem from book characters whose appearances are completely up for interpretation.
Tell me, if I dressed up as Nancy Drew, or Scout Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” can you imagine how many times I would have to explain myself?
It is daunting to drum up an easily recognizable idea that is simultaneously niche so you’re the only person portraying it at the party and you don’t have to carry a sign around explaining who you are. Why do you think so many people will be dressing up as the Joker, Barbie or the latest meme?
Ultimately, costumes are about creating a fun connection with others. So I took it upon myself to think of some original ideas of what you could be this year.
√ A traffic cone. All you have to do is wear some orange and make a hat!
√ A cat. Most people know what they look like so this is a really safe one.
√ Any kitchen utensil. Easily recognizable!
√ A phone. All you need is a big box and some paint.
√ Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. It’s funny to see characters on the wrong holiday!
Feel free to use these ideas at some of the events this weekend. Halloween-themed events are abundant in Butler County, and some are encouraging costumes!
The Haunted Trail in Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township, will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday with tours starting every 10 minutes. Register and pay $5 cash at the Masonic Shelter to participate in this family-friendly scare. This event is for children over age 5, and strollers are strongly discouraged. For more information, visit bcpr.recdesk.com.
See Musical Theatre Guild’s production of “Some Enchanted Evening,” a collection of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest works, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College. Tickets cost $18 and can be purchased by going to mtgbutler.org.
Tickets to see Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” by Hobnob Theatre Company are selling out fast! The show goes on at 7:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday as well as Oct. 25 and 26 at the studio, 134 S. Main St., Butler. Thursday’s performance takes place outdoors at Big Rail Brewing in Grove City. For more information or tickets, visit hobnobtheatre.com/events.
Come on out to the Great Fall Craft and Vendor Show at the Meridian Volunteer Fire Company, 121 Sparks Ave. in Butler Township, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Shop goods made by locals and even partake in some homemade soup! The event benefits the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District.
The 2024 Woodland Quilt Show kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at Camp Lutherlyn, 500 Lutherlyn Lane. Admission costs $7 and provides you access to all sorts of different quilts. Proceeds benefit the camp’s annual fund.
See Michael Booth in concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church, 221 W. New Castle St., Butler. The concert is free, but an offering will be collected. For more information, visit the event page on visitbutlercounty.com.
The Adams Township Halloween Costume Contest and Parade for children 10 years old and up will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday in the municipal building, 690 Valencia Road. After the contest, the parade will begin around 3 p.m. Children must register to be part of the contest at adamstwp.recdesk.com.
Children can take part in a Trunk or Treat event at Rose E. Schneider YMCA, 2001 Ehrman Road, Cranberry Township, from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Registration is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information and to register, visit bcfymca.org/events/trunk-or-treat-2024.
Participate in “ATTACC the Run,” a costumed 5K and one mile fun run in Adams Township Community Park at 9 a.m. Sunday. Register at runsignup.com for $20 or $30 depending on the race you choose, then show up at 690 Valencia Road ready to run! A prize for best costume will be awarded.
The Halloween Bash at Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Park Place in Butler, lasts from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. There will be tractor rides, children’s activities, food trucks, tattoo and piercing artists, a costume contest and live music. Find more information on the event page at visitbutlercounty.com.
If you want to submit an event for Miller Minutes, email the information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
