I have started to appreciate a little hocus-pocus in the past year or so.

Previously, I wanted nothing to do with jumpscares, suspense or hair-raising tales. The world is scary enough as it is. The largest adrenaline rush I could handle was going 65 in a 55 (for legal reasons, that is a joke).

Now, I can see some merit in the scary side of this season. Finding out what’s around the corner can be a little exciting. And, if it’s on the other side of the screen, I can separate fact from fiction.

Does that mean I would ever enter a haunted house? Probably not — but at least now I understand why YOU would!

Getting a kick out of being scared does not make someone weird or different. If you can face the unknown, no matter how uncanny, I applaud you. Some are braver than the rest of us, who think the scariest part of “Halloween” is Michael Myers looking in people’s windows.

Last week, I made sure to highlight Butler County’s spooky attractions. Those are still happening every weekend, but below are some events you won’t want to miss these next few days!

Friday

The Pittsburgh Gem Show is coming to Clearview Mall, 101 Clearview Circle in Center Township, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridayand Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Take a look at rocks, minerals, crystals, and more. Visit facebook.com/shopclearviewmallbutler for more information.

Get a taste of what makes Butler’s art scene so special at the Taste of McKean event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday on McKean Street. Stop by The Maridon Museum for art and appetizers, visit the library for a Book Tasting and check out the Porch Decorating Contest all along the street. You even get free admission if you have a ticket for the Dueling Pianos show at the Penn Theater or “Side Show” at Musical Theatre Guild. Otherwise, tickets are available for $15 at the library or museum. Visit butlerculturaldistrict.org for details.

Trunk or Treat at Victory Community Church, 21150 Route 19, Cranberry Township, is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Admission is free, so all you have to do is dress up and show up! Visit the event Facebook page for details.

See “Nature and Wildlife,” the latest exhibit at Butler Art Center and Gallery, during an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at 344 S. Main St. in Butler. This event is free and open to the public. Visit butlerartcenterandgallery.org for details.

Saturday

Take in the autumn leaves during the Fall Foliage Color Run in Slippery Rock at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. You can walk, jog or run the 1.25 miles, starting at 320 N. Main St. Visit the event Facebook page for details.

The Spooky Streets of Saxonburg are back in the borough at 10 a.m. Saturday, complete with a Witches Walk, vendors, history and mystery. Visit facebook.com/FriendsSaxonburgMuseum for more information.

The Butler Chapter of the North Country Trail has a Fall Foliage Hike at 10 a.m. Saturday, leaving from the 528 Boat Launch in Moraine State Park. The hike is 4 miles long and considered moderately difficult. Please dress appropriately and bring water. RSVP by emailing but@northcountrytrial.org.

Get homemade soups by the bowl or the quart at the Craft and Vendor show to benefit the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 121 Sparks Ave. Visit experiencebutler.com for details.

Support VOICE Butler County by playing in a cornhole tournament at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Helltown Brewing, 137 Fairway Lane in Penn Township. Registration is required at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/voice-cornhole-tournament.

Try your luck at the Pink Out Purse Bash from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Saxonburg VFW, 572 W. Main St. This event by Sponsor the Troops will feature designer purses and other giveaways. Purchase tickets by calling or texting Becky at 724-553-0422.

Adams Township’s Halloween in the Park is fun for the whole family, featuring games, crafts, a parade and more starting at 3 p.m. Saturday. Make sure you dress up for the costume contest and head on down to the community park, 690 Valencia Road. Registration is required. Visit adamstwp.recdesk.com/Community/Program for more information.

Register for Trunk or Treat at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA, 2001 Ehrman Road, Cranberry Township. This event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event is free for YMCA members and $10 for nonmembers. Visit bcfymca.org for details.

It’s four rooms full of fright and fun at Hair Raising History at 6:30 or 8 p.m. at the Lowrie House, 123 W. Diamond St. in Butler. Historical Society members admission is $10, nonmembers are $12. Due to the nature of the event, no children under the age of 10 will be admitted. Several of the rooms require you to navigate stairs. Visit butlerhistory.com/hair-raising.

See “Side Show,” a musical about the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, at Musical Theatre Guild, 100 Memorial Drive in Butler, this weekend. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and next weekend. Some performances are already sold out, so purchase tickets at mtgbutler.org.

Next week

Find out who lays to rest beneath Moraine State Park at the Hidden Cemeteries of Moraine tour, starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Rd. Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov/calendar/7 for more information.

Grove City College turned 150 years-old this year. To celebrate, Grove City Community Library is displaying an exhibit featuring artifacts and photos from the institution's humble beginnings. Visit during library hours at 125 W. Main St., admission is free!

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.