Shaler gears up for autumn with a slate of fall-inspired events

Fall is coming and Shaler Township has some exciting events in the months leading up to Halloween.

The fun begins with a Community Yard Sale Sept. 9 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. As the name indicates, it’s a community wide yard/garage sale that allows people to do one-stop shopping as opposed to driving around the township to find the best deals. Township manager Chris Lovato said it’s a very popular event.

“Kiwanis Park is the biggest park in the community and a variety of residents can come and there’s a central location so that we can all do our fall cleaning,” Lovato said. “It’s a great way to give everyone the opportunity to sell their items and do it in a central location where you know that the people that are showing up are interested.”

On Oct. 7, Kiwanis Park will be home to the first large community celebration of autumn with an event called Fall Fest. There will be a variety of opportunities for family fun such as a hay maze, face painting and a variety of crafts.

“It’s just an opportunity for the community to get together and enjoy each other’s company and highlight why Shaler is such a nice place to live,” Lovato said.

And since by then, Halloween will be right around the corner, on Oct. 14 Kiwanis Park will hold a Trunk or Treat. Individuals or companies decorate the trunks of their vehicles with different scary scenes and hand out candy.

“Trunk or Treat was my first community event last year. I went with my kids and they had a great time,” Lovato said. “We have great community participation. We allow residents to secure a spot, decorate their vehicles and hand out candy to the kids. It’s well enjoyed by both the kids and the participants that decorate their trunks. That’s a draw for people from outside the area as well. We’re very proud of the way it’s grown over the years and it’s a very good time.”

A prize is awarded to the best decorated vehicle. Some are spooky, some are funny but there are a variety of decorative themes.

“It’s a joy for both the people that are decorating and for the kids as well,” Lovato said.