Halloween events scheduled in Pitcairn, Monroeville

In advance of Halloween, Pitcairn will hold a Harvest Festival on Oct. 29.

Lineup for the parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at the Pitcairn Assembly of God Church, 520 Wall Ave. The parade starts at 1 and proceeds along Wall Avenue south to Broadway Boulevard, then east to Pitcairn Hose Company No. 1. Escorting will be members of the Pitcairn police and fire departments.

Following the parade, children can trick-or-treat and receive candy from numerous borough organizations inside and outside the fire company building.

The same day, Monroeville Recreation and Parks, with Monroeville Public Library, presents a Trail of Treats from 4 to 7 p.m. in Monroeville Community Park West, 2399 Tilbrook Road.

“We’re always really excited for our community events,” said Danielle Cole, program and events coordinator for the parks department. “We will be setting up cars on the trail for a sort of trunk or treat event. I think it’ll be really nice. I’m looking forward to it.”

There will be cars parked along the trail from which children can stop to get candy. Those interested in entering their cars for participation are welcome to email parks@monroeville.pa.us or call the department at 412-856-1006.

During the event, there will be a best-decorated trunk contest and a costume contest. Judges will be located in the gazebo on the walking trail to look at costumes. The costume contest will be sorted into multiple categories, and winners will receive mystery prizes.

“In the past, we’ve had different categories based on age ranges, spookiness, most creative, homemade, that kind of stuff,” said Cole. “Each vendor is asked to bring treats to hand out. Even if they don’t win the contest, nobody will leave empty-handed.”

At the end of the event, children are invited to attend a Halloween story reading at the amphitheater hosted by the Monroeville Public Library. Children of all ages are welcomed to the event and are asked to bring their own trick or treat bags for candy collection.

On Oct. 31, trick-or-treating is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. in both Monroeville and Pitcairn.

The municipality of Monroeville offers these seasonal safety tips:

• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween decorations.

• When choosing costumes, stay away from long, trailing fabric.

• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles in them.

• Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters.

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.