LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Story time, a Costume Contest, pumpkin decorating and much more are planned for Downtown Lock Haven Inc.’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31st from noon to 3 pm. This year the event will be at two sites – The Elks Club and the Masonic Temple, both located on Main Street.

“Thanks to the members of the Elks Club and the Masonic Temple we can spread out and offer more games, activities and have a lot of fun in downtown” explains DLH’s Program Coordinator Kate Coyne.

The event sponsored by downtown businesses offers each child a goody bag and treats from downtown businesses. There is a $1 charge at the door; proceeds will offset the cost of the event.

Mr. T will offer his famous balloon creations at 12:30 at the Elks Club. The Ross Library will host a not so spooky and very fun story time for pre-school to Kindergarten-age children from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm and another story time for school age children will be held from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm at the Masonic Temple. Children’s Librarian Nancy Antram has picked out a few Halloween favorites for both age groups including the Vanishing Pumpkin and Old One Eye.

Total Techniques Dance Competition Team will perform at 1 pm at the Elks Club. Jen Rumbalski of Total Techniques explains that the dance team members are 12 to 18 year olds. This competition team recently placed in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. They will compete in Valley Forge and State College later this year. Total Techniques Dance Studio is located at 16 Corning Street.

In addition to a host of games and activities, food and fun, Downtown Lock Haven is hosting a Haven Fun Basket Raffle. Chances are $1 each or six tickets for $5. Proceeds from this raffle go toward decorating downtown for the holidays. Everyone is invited to take the first peak at the baskets at the Fall Festival while tickets may be purchased up to the drawing date for the raffle which will be held on Saturday, December 5th after the Haven Holidays Parade. Each basket has a different theme and includes merchandise from downtown businesses. Sponsors for the raffle include the Lock Haven University Bookstore, Bonnie’s Hair, Nails and Tanning Salon; Brigandi, Renninger Realty; Sand Piper Designs; Keystone Community Network; the Clinton County Arts Council; Prudential Hodrick Realty; the Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven; and Kissinger, Bigatel and Brower Realty. The selection of themed baskets include Applelicious Hair and Skin Care Basket; a Beanie Baby Basket; Chilly Night; Bountiful Baking; Snowy Day; Candles, Candles, Candles; and Dinner on the Town.

“The best part of this event is the contribution by Lock Haven University student volunteers” explains Downtown Manager Maria Boileau. “Each year we have students from the Recreation Program who help to coordinate the event. Katie Coyne, Program Coordinator for Downtown Lock Haven and a recent graduate of LHU, has done a tremendous job recruiting the student volunteers. With her direction they have developed the games, recruited volunteers and prepared the layout for the event.”

Over 70 Lock Haven University student volunteers are participating including Emily Opiela, Zach Pedinoff, Kaitlyn Vogt and Inglish Cruz. Student organizations participating on Saturday are the Honors Club, Alpha Sigma Phi, Therapeutic Recreation Club, Reading Honor Society, Lacrosse Club, Sophisticated Ladies, the LHU Fly Fishing Club, the LHU Circle K Club, LHUAPHERD and the Lock Haven University MountainServe Office of Community Service.

Businesses and organizations such as K C Kettle Corn, Lock Haven Hospital, Weis Markets, First Quality Products, Subway, That’s the Scoop, D. Dashem Books and the City of Lock Haven’s AFSME Local 2834 have donated candy, cookies and supplies for the event.

The Lock Haven Elks Club, Bonnie’s Hair, Nails & Tanning Salon, the Lock Haven YMCA and H & R Block with host games and activities. And volunteer, Roger Nixon, has offered to lend a hand to help design the decorations for both sites.

For more information contact Downtown Lock Haven Inc. at 570-748-1576.