{"id":19544,"date":"2019-10-11T15:49:04","date_gmt":"2019-10-11T19:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/?p=19544"},"modified":"2019-10-11T15:49:12","modified_gmt":"2019-10-11T19:49:12","slug":"what-to-do-chili-cookoff-in-west-chester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/?p=19544","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Chili Cookoff in West Chester"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, <\/span>Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>On October 13, West Chester will be the site of a special event to determine who can make \u201cThe Best Darn Chili in Chester County!\u201d — the site of the West Chester Rotary\u2019s 17th Annual Chili Cookoff (Gay and High streets, Downtown West Chester, www.westchesterchilicookoff.com<\/a>). All-you-can-eat wristbands are just $12.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be more than 70 \u201cChili Teams\u201d competing for the top prize in the following divisions — \u201cPeople\u2019s Choice,\u201d \u201cBusiness,\u201d \u201cRestaurant,\u201d \u201cNon-Profit\u201d and \u201cHometown\/Volunteer Cook.\u201d Each team will prepare its best chili and submit a sample to a panel of local \u201ccelebrity\u201d judges who name Best Chili in each category.<\/span><\/p>\n

The family-oriented event, which runs from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., will also feature a \u201cJust 4 Kids\u201d area on East Gay Street (with kids\u2019 bounces, slides and other games), a variety of crafters who will be selling their goods, live entertainment and an array of food vendors.<\/span><\/p>\n

This weekend\u2019s schedule features a pair of long-running fall festivals that have become area traditions \u2013 the Downingtown Friends Fall Festival and the Hay Creek Apple Festival.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Friends Fall Festival at the Downingtown Friends Meeting<\/p><\/div>\n

The Friends Fall Festival at the Downingtown Friends Meeting (Downingtown Friends Meeting, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, 610-269-4223,www.downingtownfriendsmeeting.org<\/a>) is scheduled for October 12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most popular fall festivals in the region, the Friends Fall Festival has been offering families a day of wholesome fun and value for more than 30 years. A special supervised area includes children\u2019s crafts and games. There\u2019s also a hay wagon ride and exceptional face painting for both kids and adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the free festival\u2019s many attractions are plant, craft and white elephant sales, the Friends Mercantile for the sale of books, housewares, jewelry and children\u2019s toys and the Quaker Heritage Exhibit, which features antique Quaker clothing and memorabilia.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 2 p.m. there will be a re-enactment of the first wedding held in the Meeting House in 1806.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors can attend the wedding inside the Meeting House and have photographs taken with the bride and groom and wedding party — all of whom will be dressed in authentically reproduced early 19th-century Quaker garb.<\/span><\/p>\n

The festival, which also offers free parking, will feature live folk and rock music along with demonstrations and community exhibits.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be a variety of tasty food items available for purchase. The Wooden Ladle will offer homemade vegetarian chili, hearty vegetable soup, juicy grilled hot dogs, funnel cake and hot apple cider, coffee, or cold drinks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Friends Mercantile, a not-to-be-missed stop for serious garage-sale shoppers, opens its doors at 9 a.m. and attracts a loyal following of shoppers with everything from fine gifts to children\u2019s toys, books, housewares, jewelry, electronics, and more. The festival\u2019s craft vendors offer everything from handcrafted needlework to woodcraft, leather, ceramics and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Hay Creek Apple Festival <\/a>(Historic Joanna Furnace, Route 10, Morgantown, 610-286-0388, www.haycreek.org<\/a>), which also has been around for more than 30 years, is scheduled for October 12 and 13.<\/span><\/p>\n

The festival is a celebration of autumn and especially autumn\u2019s favorite fruit — the apple — with a long list of special activities and an amazing variety of taste treats featuring apples.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be more than 2,000 apple dumplings and over 800 apple pies ready for consumption this weekend at the festival. Also offered will be a variety of other treats such as fresh-pressed apple cider, apple waffles, apple crisp, Schnitz Un Knepp, apple fritters and the famous Hay Creek Apple Butter.<\/span><\/p>\n

The festival will have a variety of family fun events starting with the belly-filling \u201cAll-You-Can Eat Apple Pancake Breakfast\u201d from 7-11 a.m. Other family activities will be hayrides, scarecrow building, mini-tractor rides, pumpkin painting, Early American games, pony rides, an \u201cApple Dessert Contest\u201d, basket weaving, Early American craft demonstrations and rides on the \u201cApple Barrel Express.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The festival, which runs from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, will also feature a flea market with over 100 stands. Visitors can shop for crafts, flowers, fall items, antiques and other items related to Berks County history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) is a great place to visit any time in the year and always has special attractions to add to the experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

To celebrate the arrival of autumn, Longwood has a new attraction \u2013 \u201cBlooms & Bamboo: Chrysanthemum and Ikebana Sogetsu Artistry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This once-in-a-lifetime experience features towering Ikebana bamboo art forms, enchanting Asian arrangements, and thousands of blooming chrysanthemums throughout the Conservatory. The displays have been crafted by masters from around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

The world\u2019s pre-eminent master of Ikebana Sogetsu, Headmaster Akane Teshigahara, has created spiraling and twisting works of bamboo art exclusively for Longwood\u2019s Conservatory and the results are extraordinary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum\u2014a single plant bearing more than 1,000 perfect blooms on a single stem\u2014makes its dazzling debut October 24.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and $12 for youth (ages 5-18).<\/span><\/p>\n

Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org<\/a>) has several special events scheduled for this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Hayrides at Hagley 2019<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cHayrides at Hagley 2019\u201d will be held on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 starting at the Visitor Center at 11 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors can take a hayride along the Brandywine Creek to experience the beautiful fall foliage in the Powder Yard. They will also be able to create fall-themed crafts, and get at up-close look at a gunpowder explosion, a roll mill in action, and working 19th-century machines.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hagley\u2019s \u201cPatent Model Tour\u2019 will also be held on October 12.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event, which starts at 11 a.m. inside the Visitor Center, will feature one of Hagley\u2019s guides narrating a tour of Hagley\u2019s\u00a0patent model collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants will learn about the history of these fascinating miniature models of invention and the patent process\u00a0that was established in 1790.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tour begins at the Visitor Center and is followed by a ride through the Powder Yards. Visitors will have a guided tour of Hagley\u2019s current patent model display.<\/span><\/p>\n

Afterward, visitors will return to the Powder Yards where they may tour the rest of the museum on their own.\u00a0The patent model tour lasts for approximately\u00a01.5 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another event on October 13 is \u201cScience Saturday \u2013 Colorful Chromatography,\u201d which will run from 1-4 p.m. in the Visitor Center.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants can learn about pigments and diffusion and experiment with different tree leaves to discover their hidden colors using chromatography.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors of all ages are invited to discover solutions to science and engineering challenges. This is a drop-in activity and people can join the fun at any time from 1-4 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for seniors (age 62 and up), and $6 for children (ages 6-14).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Wild Bird Day<\/p><\/div>\n

On October 12, the Brandywine Zoo (1001 North Park Drive, Brandywine Park, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-571-7747,\u00a0www.brandywinezoo.org<\/a>)\u00a0is hosting \u201cWild Bird Day.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors to the zoo, which is located in Brandywine Park along the banks of the Brandywine Creek in downtown Wilmington, will be able to <\/span>celebrate all things bird.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Fall Migration is happening and is something you don\u2019t want to miss.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the zoo, guests will be able to learn about observing birds at the zoo\u2019s bird blind and how to attract birds to their homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kids can craft their own \u201cbinoculars\u201d during craft time, participate in a special \u201cBird Story Time\u201d and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

All events are free with paid admission to the zoo, which is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

On weekends now through October 26, the Kalmar Nyckel will be offering public sails from two locations in Wilmington, Delaware. The sailings will leave from the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

For two decades, the Kalmar Nyckel, which has its home base in Wilmington, has been hosting riders all over the world \u2013 especially in Delaware.<\/span><\/p>\n

A ride on the Kalmar Nyckel is a totally different from most tourist water rides. The ship is a beautiful recreation of the original Kalmar Nyckel, which was built in Holland in the 1620s. Her mainmast is taller than a 10-story building and she carries 7,600 square feet of sail area and six miles of rigging.<\/span><\/p>\n

The original Kalmar Nyckel was a Swedish-owned, three-masted armed pinnace that sailed from Goteborg, Sweden in November of 1637 and brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1986 a group of citizens established the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation to design, build and launch a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel at a shipyard adjacent to the original landing site.<\/span><\/p>\n

The new Kalmar Nyckel was constructed there and was launched on September 28, 1997. She was commissioned on May 9, 1998 and now serves as Delaware’s sea-going Ambassador of Good Will. She is a fully functional sail training vessel and has represented Delaware all over the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for youth (ages 17 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n

Now though January 5, people can get in a happy mood by visiting HAPPY PLACE (HappyPlace.me<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Live Nation Philadelphia has brought HAPPY PLACE, an interactive, immersive pop-up exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, to the King of Prussia Mall where it will run now January 5, 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n

HAPPY PLACE is filled with multi-sensory immersive rooms inducing smiles and laughter, plus larger-than-life, one-of-a-kind installations including seven-foot stilettos made of a million candies and six-foot tall mirrored X and O letters surrounded by a wall of one thousand red lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

From dancing in the world\u2019s largest confetti dome to posing inside the famous rubber ducky bathtub of fun and jumping off a rainbow into a pot of happiness, guests travel through each unique room guided by a team of specially selected and trained Happy People. HAPPY PLACE is created for an audience for all ages. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.<\/span><\/p>\n

HAPPY PLACE features more than 15,000 square feet of playful spaces and cheerful moments including a Super Bloom room filled with 40,000 handmade gold flowers for the perfect photogenic floral backdrop, the World\u2019s Largest Indoor Confetti Dome, a Giant Rainbow complete with a Pot of Happiness into which guests can jump, the signature Rubber Ducky Bathtub of Fun plus other photo-friendly fantasy rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Philadelphia\u2019s HAPPY PLACE, which will also add special features unique to Philadelphia, will occupy the space once occupied by JCPenney at the King of Prussia Mall, which is located at 160 North Gulph Road in King of Prussia.<\/span><\/p>\n

HAPPY PLACE at King of Prussia Mall will also bring its charity Lemonade Stand, to work with local non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region. To date, HAPPY PLACE has donated over $100,000 to local groups in the four cities it has resided in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for HAPPY PLACE — https:\/\/youtu.be\/_hR57sn6R-k<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

HAPPY PLACE will be open though January 5 at the King of Prussia Plaza. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children (ages 4-12).<\/span><\/p>\n

Now through October 20, King of Prussia will also be a place to go to enjoy a very special circus experience \u2013 Cirque Italia (https:\/\/cirqueitalia.com\/<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The circus will take up residence at 160 North Gulph Road in King of Prussia for an 11-day run. Then, it will move west fro a four-say run from October 24-27 at 142 Park City Center in Lancaster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Cirque Italia is the first traveling water circus in the United States.The circus\u2019 stage holds 35,000 gallons of water and features a dynamic lid which lifts 35 feet into the air, allowing water to fall like rain from above as fountains dazzle below.<\/span><\/p>\n

This incredible show takes place under \u201cGrande Tenta\u201d \u2014 the circus\u2019 majestic white and blue big top tent which came all the way from Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cirque Italia is a European style circus show with no animals and a Las Vegas style water show. It\u2019s a water spectacular similar to a smaller-scale Bellagio fountain show. With more than 30 artists, chosen in rigorous auditions from around 25 different countries, Cirque Italia delivers high-end entertainment at an affordable cost to nearly two million people in about 50 cities each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Cirque Italia \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/5-v5D6WH5pQ<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $25.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGhost Ship\u201d<\/span> (delawareriverwaterfront.com\/ghostship<\/a>), which is visiting Philadelphia\u2019s waterfront through November, is the first major installation in Delaware River Waterfront Corporation\u2019s ambitious new Waterfront Arts Program, which plans to bring a host of site-specific artworks to the waterfront alongside attractions like Cherry Street Pier and all the seasonal fun at Penn\u2019s Landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The haunting 18th-century ship, which is 90 feet wide and 50 feet tall, appears under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, hovering over the water and looking every bit like a supernatural phenomenon that rose out of the depths of the dark river.<\/span><\/p>\n

Estonia-based artist collective Biangle Studio created the three-dimensional work using light and jets of water, which make the ship look like it\u2019s moving as the wind blows and the water shifts. It is meant to be examined from many angles along the banks of the Delaware River.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspired by the nuanced and complex history of the Delaware River in the 1700s, Biangle Studio created the site speci\ufb01c, three-dimensional light and water-based public art installation. The 18th-century ship appears on the Philadelphia Waterfront as Ghost Ship for the month of October to shine a light on the shared history of the Delaware River, and re\ufb02ect on its role in shaping Philadelphia today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ghost Ship will be visible Wednesday through Sundays now through November 3 from 7-10 p.m. each night at the Race Street Pier, which is located at Race Street and North Christopher Columbus Boulevard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cGhost Ship\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZCr-kLwVHfk<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission is free.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen offers a number of craft fairs throughout the state each year. One of the most popular fairs is scheduled for this weekend. Now through October 13, the Guild will present the Fine Craft Fair (Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, 717-431-8706, www.pacrafts.org<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Through a partnership with the\u00a0Friends of RittenhouseSquare\u00a0and in conjunction with the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen will bring its signature premier Fine Craft Fair to the scenic park in Center City Philadelphia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Founded in 1944 at the recommendation of Eleanor Roosevelt, the Pennsylvania Guild is one of the nation\u2019s largest and most recognized craft guilds, specializing in the advocacy and support of more than 1,400 members whose handwork is known for its unparalleled skill and artistry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fine craft is often defined as the hand and mind transformation of raw materials into inspired works of art.\u00a0The finished products may be either traditional or contemporary in style and design. This weekend\u2019s event will feature more than 145 of the Guild\u2019s finest craft artists.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fine Craft Fair, which is free and open to the public, will focus on hand-crafted jewelry, contemporary furniture, functional and decorative pottery, designer clothing, fine porcelain, blown glass, limited edition photography, sculpture, paintings, watercolors, oils, graphite and pastels.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be 150 white tent canopies lining the sidewalks of Rittenhouse Square\u2019s park when the Guild returns to Philadelphia with its sixth\u00a0juried Fine Craft Market. This year will also include\u00a0an \u201cEmerging Artist\u201d section and a hands-on activity free for all ages, sponsored by the Guild workshop program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fair hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Street and garage parking is readily available.<\/span><\/p>\n

A great way to enjoy autumn\u2019s annual color display is to ride a special excursion on an area tourist railroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

The West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233, <\/span>www.westchesterrr.com<\/a><\/span>) is running its special \u201cFall Foliage Express\u201d trains on October 13 and November 2, 3, 9, and 10. Trains depart at noon and 2 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The round-trip train ride travels to the village of Glen Mills and back and lasts for 90 minutes. During the brief layover in Glen Mills, riders can explore the historic Pennsylvania Railroad station and have a snack in the railroad\u2019s picnic grove along the Chester Creek.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for children ages 2-12 and free for kids under two.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge St, New Hope, 215- 862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) offers a two-and-one-half hour, 35-mile roundtrip ride on its \u201cFall Foliage Trains\u201d from now through October 27. Every weekend, the rail line in Bucks County will operate regularly scheduled round trip trains out of New Hope Station and SEPTA\u2019s Warminster station.<\/span><\/p>\n

Passengers can enjoy the sights of the beautiful fall scenery while riding aboard the rail line\u2019s \u201cFirst Class Bar Car,\u201d \u201cAntique Seat Coach\u201d or \u201cOpen Air Car.\u201d Coach tickets are $40.99 for adults, $38.99 for children (ages 2-11) and $4.99 for toddlers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Wilmington & Western Railroad <\/span>(2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE, 302-998-1930, www.wwrr.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cAutumn Leaf Special\u201d with trains on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 23, 26, and 30 and November 2 and 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trips are either a one-and-one-half hour roundtrips to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove or two-and-one-half hour roundtrips to Hockessin.<\/span><\/p>\n

The W&WRR also is running its \u201cHayride Express\u201d on October 11, 18 and 26 and November 1 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. each night. Visitors can experience a one-hour evening ride through the Red Clay Valley on an original railroad flatcar converted especially for hayrides. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Now through November 17, join Boo Just for You, a Halloween celebration for children with special needs at the Elmwood Park Zoo ( www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) <\/a><\/span>n themed activities, navigate through a corn maze, play games like flip-a-chicken, bean bag toss, and basketball, paint a pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment, and sip on some festive fall drinks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hours are from noon-4 p.m. each day. Zoo admission is $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for children and $12.95 for seniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Halloween activities are starting to fill up the area events calendar faster than a ghost can appear and disappear in your neighborhood. The following is a look at what to expect at many of these events.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to welcome autumn and one of the best ways to do this is by checking out the corn mazes at Ramsey\u2019s Farm (Ramsey Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-477-1499,www.ramseysfarm.com<\/a>). The farm\u2019s event season lists September 21 as 2019\u2019s \u201cOpening Day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Corn mazes, along with hayrides, a pumpkin patch and scarecrows, will be featured at Ramsey\u2019s Farm, which is located in northern Delaware on Route 92 just south of the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line. The new season runs on weekends now through October 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ramsey\u2019s \u201cPumpkin Patch\u201d has been in operation since 1995 and the farm\u2019s varied mazes have been delighting and baffling visitors who return each year for the popular annual event. The owners of Ramsey\u2019s Farm raise pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, popcorn, feed corn and hay.<\/span><\/p>\n

The farm\u2019s pumpkin field stretches over 12 acres and yields approximately 20,000 pumpkins each season. Hayrides around the farm will be offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Visitors will be able to shop for pumpkins and other items at the farm store. There will also be hot food and beverages available for purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $8 for the corn maze, $5 for the sorghum maze, $3 for the hay maze, $3 for pumpkin painting and $3 for a hayride.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHurricane Hill Farm Maze\u201d (Baldwin\u2019s Farm, 704 East Reeceville Road, Coatesville, 610-384-6952, www.hhfmaze.com<\/a>) will be open Saturdays and Sundays until November 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

This event features miles of trails through acres of corn mazes, <\/span>along with a corn slide, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and a farm animal display.<\/span><\/p>\n

The site\u2019s 2019 featured maze is a five-acre corn maze called \u201cA Journey to Ancient Rome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $14.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the time of the year when farms in the area become a bustle activity \u2014 a time for harvest. But, it is not harvest matters that are causing a bustle of activity at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks (150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, 717-687-6843, www.cherrycrestfarm.com<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The farm\u2019s popular annual \u201cFlashlight Maze\u201d is now underway and will continue every Friday and Saturday night through November 4. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm has reserved several weekends during the autumn months for Flashlight Maze.<\/span><\/p>\n

This special activity allows visitors to experience the Amazing Maize Maze in total darkness. All you need are flashlights and a few friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Flashlight Maze is a nice, non-scary, Halloween alternative that has appeal for people of all ages. The Flashlight Maze, which has a $12 admission fee, is open from 6:30-10 p.m. with the last entrance into the Maze at 9 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main attraction is Cherry Crest\u2019s \u201cAmazing Maize Maze,\u201d which is billed as \u201cthe world\u2019s most dynamic and interactive corn maze.\u201d It is a five-acre corn maze with over two-and-one-half miles of paths, scenic bridges, and clues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants can walk at their own pace as they encounter the \u201cKernels of Knowledge\u201d along with a variety of clues, tunnel slides, and watering stations. They can also check out a bird\u2019s eye view from the two bridges and watch everyone\u2019s flags waving high above the corn.<\/span><\/p>\n

The average time to complete the \u201cAmazing Maize Maze\u201d course is one hour. Ticket prices start at $19.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Scarecrow Competition<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s time once again for the <\/span>Scarecrow Competition and Display at Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000,\u00a0www.peddlersvillage.com<\/a>). Hours are\u00a010 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors can stroll around the Village to see the Scarecrow Competition and Display, which showcases more than 100 creative and colorful scarecrows. The Scarecrows are on outdoor display through October 27.<\/span><\/p>\n

The public is invited to vote for the winners. Ballots are available in all shops and restaurants. The ballot boxes are located in the Hospitality Center at the Cock \u2018n Bull, Giggleberry Fair, and Buttonwood Grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stoudts Brewery (2800 North Reading Road, Adamstown, 717-484-4386, http:\/\/stoudts.com<\/a>) is hosting \u201cOktoberfest with Alex Meixner Band\u201d on October 12\u00a0from noon-4 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. and \u201cOktoberfest with <\/span>Maedel Jaeger<\/span>\u201d on October 13 from noon-6 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Stoudt family is carrying on its heritage in the Gemutlichkeit Bier Garden with a fun-filled family event held every Sunday in October.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event features live German music, dancing, Stoudts award winning lagers and ales, hand-rolled soft pretzels from the Wonderful Good market, locally-produced German-style sausages and other delicious German food.<\/span><\/p>\n

General Admission tickets are $10 with children under 11 admitted free.<\/span><\/p>\n

On October 13, wine lovers will gather to help wage war against cancer at the 28th Annual Dilworthtown Inn Wine Festival (Dilworthtown Inn, 1390 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, 610-431-5329, http:\/\/www.chestercountyhospital.org\/cchfdn.asp?p=1210<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The event will get underway at noon and run until 4 p.m. — rain or shine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The festival features more than 100 wines, craft beers, hard cider along with delicious food prepared by Dilworthtown Inn chefs. There will also be a \u201cSilent Auction,\u201d shopping opportunities in the Gallery of Artisan Vendors, live music and a Craft Beer Area.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dilworthtown Inn, and the Brandywine and Greystone branches of The Women\u2019s Auxiliary to Chester County Hospital jointly organize this event.\u00a0Proceeds from the wine festival benefit patients of The Abramson Cancer Program of Chester County Hospital and the Penn Medicine Hospice at Chester County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $50 at the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

On October 12, the 10th Annual Fall Wine Festival (Skippack Pike, Skippack, 610- 584-1155, http:\/\/winetober.com<\/a>) will be held from 1-6 p.m. along the main street of the scenic village near the Skippack Creek in Montgomery County.<\/span><\/p>\n

The popular annual event, which is also known as Winetober\u00a0Fest,\u00a0will feature vendors with a tasty array of wine and food samples along with live music. Tickets for the event, which include food and wine sampling, are $25.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of Chester County\u2019s most popular wineries will be participating in this weekend\u2019s event — Paradocx Winery. And, there will even be a meadery \u2013 Haymaker Meadery.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, http:\/\/www.historicodessa.org<\/a>) will present an event that is aimed at sending chills down your spine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Delaware Shakespeare Festival will put audience members in a nicely-spooked state with a performance of \u201cShakespeare, Poe & Friends: A Night of Readings from the Dark Side.\u201d\u00a0On Oct. 11 starting at 7:30 p.m., actors will read seasonally spooky selections from the plays of Shakespeare and the poems and short stories of Edgar Allan Poe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The weird sisters of Macbeth will meet again, and the raven will certainly come knocking on the chamber door, but this year\u2019s \u201cShakespeare\/Poe\u201d event will also offer readings that have not appeared in previous installments of this popular autumn show.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $18.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation offers tours to the public, families, groups and schools of its landmark Delaware properties — the Historic Houses of Odessa. The tour also provides a look at the foundation\u2019s collection of more than 6,000 objects and furnishings that span an interpretive period in regional decorative arts from 1760-1850.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Historic Houses of Odessa are open to the public March through December, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday 1-4:30 p.m. General Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children (under six).<\/span><\/p>\n

Halloween activities are starting to fill up the area events calendar faster than a ghost can appear and disappear in your neighborhood. The following is a look at what to expect at many of these events.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tyler Arboretum\u2019s Pumpkin Days event is a fun-filled family festival as well as being one of the nature-oriented site\u2019s major annual fundraising events. This year\u2019s event will be held October 12 and 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

The wide array of activities includes hay wagon tours, scarecrow making, a bounce house, face painting, a pumpkin patch, an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin racing, arts and crafts, a haunted tree house, pumpkin painting and goats in the meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $9 for children (ages 3-15). Free\u00a0parking for Pumpkin Days is\u00a0exclusively\u00a0at the Penn State Brandywine campus, where visitors can catch the complimentary shuttle bus to and from Tyler Arboretum.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most ambitious area Halloween attractions is \u201cThe Glow: A Jack O\u2019Lantern Experience\u201d (www.theglowja ckolantern.com<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Glow,\u201d which runs now through November 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a family-friendly, immersive Halloween stroll along a trail illuminated by more than 5,000 hand-carved jack o\u2019 lanterns.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Halloween-themed happening will delight visitors as they are surrounded by thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins dangling from above and along the third-of-a-mile walk. In the pumpkin graveyard, guests will encounter black cats, ghosts and gravestones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Glow\u201d also illuminates some of Philly\u2019s most famous natives with pumpkin look-a-likes featuring sports figures, famous icons, superheroes and princesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Glow\u201d is located in West Fairmount Park adjacent to the Mann Music Center on Parkside Avenue. Tickets start at $16.99.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) is presenting its \u201cAdult Trick or Treat\u201d event every Saturday and Sunday through October 27. Tour Times Available at 11:30 a.m. and 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to \u201cTrick or Treat\u201d for wine and seasonal snacks at Chaddsford’s wildly popular, adults-only Halloween program as they<\/span> v<\/span>isit a variety of Halloween-themed pairing stations located throughout the Winery grounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cPairing Menu\u201d features \u201cDante\u2019s Inferno\u201d (\u00c9clat Aleppo Chile Truffle + Hot Tamales candies with Sunset Blush + Tr\u00f6egs Troegenator Double Bock), \u201cPumpkin Patch\u201d (Scarecrow Slushie, garnished with a Halloween Peep + Warm Spiced Apple wine with a caramel Sugar Daddy Stirrer), \u201cWhat Lurks Below\u201d (Crab Mac N\u2019 Cheese with \u201917 Presage and Leviathan Wine Cocktail), \u201cMummies Tomb\u201d (Garlic, Black Bean and Red Pepper Hummus Trio + Pita Chips with \u201917 White Standard + \u201917 The Red Standard), and \u201cZombie Yard\u201d (\u201cDirt\u201d Cupcake garnished with a Gummy Worm with \u201917 Harbinger + Chaddsford Red).<\/span><\/p>\n

Advanced tickets purchased online are $25 and include the food and beverage pairings, as well as a\u00a0Halloween-themed keepsake wine glass!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTerror Behind the Walls\u201d (Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, 888-763-NITE,\u00a0www.easternstate.org<\/a>), will celebrate the new season with its opening weekend that starts today.<\/span><\/p>\n

The truly scary attraction, which is running through November 10, takes place at a penitentiary site that was once was an active prison and is now a National Historic Landmark. It is a scream-inducing event featuring laser and special-effect lighting, digital sound, sinister scents, animatronic creatures and 3-D illusions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Popular attractions include \u201cBlood Yard,\u201d \u201cInfirmary,\u201d \u201cMachine Shop,\u201d \u201cLock Down,\u201d \u201cBreak Out!,\u201d and \u201cQuarantine 4D.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission prices, which vary with the date, range from $19-$45.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116,\u00a0www.linvilla.com<\/a>) is running full speed ahead with its 2019 edition of Pumpkinland.<\/span><\/p>\n

The family-oriented activity features costumed characters, games and contests and live music.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another attraction, which runs through October 30, is \u201cHayride to the Witch\u2019s House.\u201d Admission is free, and hayrides are $9 per person. There will also be \u201cHarvest Hayrides\u201d and \u201cAutumn Moon Hayrides\u201d starting later in September.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 28th annual edition of \u201cHaunted Hayride, Bates Motel and Haunted Corn Maze at Arasapha Farm\u201d (1835 N. Middletown Rd., Gradyville, 610-459-0647,www.thebatesmotel.com<\/a>) will be scaring visitors through October 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

The haunted hayride through the woods features monsters, special effects and actors. The Bates Motel has haunted rooms with special effects and computerized lighting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another attraction is the \u201cRevenge of the Scarecrow Haunted Trail.\u201d A haunted trail is cut through a cornfield inhabited by monsters.<\/span><\/p>\n

New attractions this year are \u201cZombie Hunt\u201d and \u201cDouble Edge Axe Throwing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission prices are: Haunted Hayride, $20; Bates Motel, $15; Haunted Trail, $15; combination tickets, $40. There are reduced rates for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

For \u201cCount\u2019s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place\u201d (100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, 215-752-7070, www.sesameplace.com<\/a>), the popular amusement park has been converted into a Halloween-themed safe venue for kids with trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and a hay maze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Featured attractions, which will continue until November 3, are \u201cNeighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade<\/a>,\u201d \u201cHalloween Light Show,\u201d and \u201cThe Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-ween Radio Show<\/a> .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission to the park is $49.99.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pennhurst Asylum (100 Commonwealth Drive, Spring City, 484-866-8964, www.pennhurstasylum.com<\/a>), which is open through November 4, is on the site of a former mental asylum which has been shuttered for over a quarter of a century.<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been transformed into a haunted attraction with huge sets, detailed rooms and live actors. Visitors can also explore the labyrinth of underground tunnels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $18 for each of the attractions with a variety of combo packages available.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat Pumpkin Fest and Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park\u201d (3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, 610-395-3724, www.dorneypark.com<\/a>) is running now through November 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event features scary creatures roaming the park and scarecrows lining line the walkways while frightening activities take place at the following attractions — \u201cFrightFeast,\u201d \u201cPort of Call,\u201d \u201cNecropolis,\u201d \u201cAge of Darkness\u201d and \u201cCarnEvil\u201d along with seven mazes and four \u201cCreepy Scare Zones.\u201d Admission prices start at $29.99.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201c27th Annual Fright By Night\u201d (Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, Jackson, NJ, 732-928-2000, www.sixflags.com<\/a>), which is running now through November 3, features family-oriented activities during the day and much scarier attractions after dark for teens and adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

The attractions include \u201cBig Top Terror,\u201d \u201cWicked Woods,\u201d \u201cAftermath,\u201d \u201cHell Fest,\u201d \u201cThe Manor,\u201d \u201cCell Block 6\u201d,\u201d and \u201cReflections of the Dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets start at $49.79.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687,www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate through November and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound. Tickets are $20.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $18.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201c34th Annual Jason\u2019s Woods\u201d (99 Stehman Road, Lancaster, 717-872-5768, www.jasonswoods.com<\/a>), which is running through November 4, is a horror show complex that features a combination of live actors, impressive animation and scary special effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Popular attractions include \u201cHorrifying Hayride,\u201d \u201cChamber of Horrors,\u201d \u201cZombie Apocalypse,\u201d \u201cLost in Jason\u2019s Woods,\u201d and \u201cCarnival of Fear,\u201d Admission prices are for combo tickets are $25 for three attractions and $40 for five.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cValley of Fear\u201d (300 W. Bristol Road, Feasterville, 215-942-9787, www.valleyoffear.com<\/a>), which is open through November 2, features four \u201cheart pounding attractions\u201d — \u201cHaunted Hayride,\u201d \u201cScarytales,\u201d \u201cThe Facility,\u201d and \u201cOperation Z Escape.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The attraction is billed as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Most Horrifying Woods.\u201d Admission prices start at $29.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201c26th Annual Field of Screams\u201d (109 College Avenue, Mountville, 717-285-7748, www.fieldofscreams.com<\/a>), which is open now through November 15, features four world-class Haunted Experiences and an impressive Midway Area. Top attractions include \u201cHorrifying Haunted Hayride,\u201d two massive Haunted Houses, and Wicked Haunted Woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $16.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Shire, Mount Hope Estate and Winery grounds, Route 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021,www.parenfaire.com<\/a>) is hosting its \u201cHalloween Daze & Spooky Knights I<\/a>\u201d event on October 12 and 13. It will also be a \u201cRoyal Dog Days\u201d weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

From 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day, the huge faire will celebrate Halloween.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three weekends of mystery and mayhem kick off this weekend as spooky creatures of every variety haunt the Shire. Visitors can join the good Shirefolk of Mount Hope for a grand All Hallows Eve celebration, complete with tricks and treats for children of all ages.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Featured events include \u201cScratchy\u2019s Pumpkin Decorating,\u201d \u201cHalloween Treasure Hunt,\u201d \u201cNipperkins Costume Exhibition\u201d (ages 11 and under), and \u201cAdult Costume Competition.\u201d
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

With Royal Dog Days, His Majesty has issued an invitation to the lover of dogs to join him and the Royal Hounds upon the Fairegrounds Saturdays and Sundays in September.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission is $31.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids ages 5-11.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCandlelight Ghost Tours\u201d (Fort Mifflin, Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, http:\/\/fortmifflin.us<\/a>) are scheduled for October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors can tour historic (and haunted) Fort Mifflin by candlelight from 7-10 p.m. each night (6:30-8:30 on October 31) and hear true stories of ghostly encounters. This event is billed as an \u201cauthentic experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children (12 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoo at the Zoo\u201d (Elmwood Park Zoo, Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org<\/a>) will be held October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 and 28 from noon-3 p.m. each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoo at the Zoo\u201d features live entertainment, costume contests, costume parades, trick-or-treat stations with candy, prizes, crafts and educational pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children are encouraged to bring their own treat bags for trick-or-treating. The zoo will not be providing any bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoo at the Zoo\u201d is free with zoo admission, which is $17.95 for adults, $15.95 for students, $13.95 for children and $12.95 for seniors and children.<\/span><\/p>\n

October 12 and 19 are the dates for \u201cGhosts in the Graveyard\u201d (Old Swedes Historical Site, 606 Church Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5629, www.oldswedes.org<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

From 6:30-9 p.m. each night, visitors will be able to stroll through the complex, meet some of the ghosts who reside in the site\u2019s burial grounds and maybe even solve the mystery of the late-night bell ringing at Old Swedes Church.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students (ages 12-17).<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times On October 13, West Chester will be the site of a special event to determine who can make \u201cThe Best Darn Chili in Chester County!\u201d — the site of the West Chester Rotary\u2019s 17th Annual Chili Cookoff (Gay and High streets, Downtown West Chester, www.westchesterchilicookoff.com). All-you-can-eat wristbands are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19546,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[5815,3162,8331,8332,8334,2105,8333],"class_list":["post-19544","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-cirque-italia","tag-featured","tag-friends-fall-festival-at-the-downingtown-friends-meeting","tag-hayrides-at-hagley-2019","tag-scarecrow-competition","tag-west-chester-chili-cookoff","tag-wild-bird-day"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19544","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19544"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19544\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19545,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19544\/revisions\/19545"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19544"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19544"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/downingtowntimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}