“This is Halloween!”

It is certainly getting spooky around here. The days get shorter, the winds howl louder, and the moon’s surprised face looks more frightened than usual.

I was subjected to watching a few scary movies recently, so I am definitely in the spirit. You may have seen me dressed up this past weekend (and maybe you will again).

As I get older, it becomes more difficult to fully indulge in the spooky season. Trick-or-treating isn’t exactly a socially acceptable adult activity, so we’re left to hold or attend parties or sit in the cold on Halloween night passing out candy to others.

Last year I provided you with a ghoulish playlist in celebration of Halloween, but this year, I think I will give you a few suggestions on how to make this painfully short season last a little longer (aside from the list of events you will see after it).

√ Watch a spooky movie. Some of my personal favorites are “The Shining” or “The Bad Seed.”

√ Carve a pumpkin! And while you’re at it, make pumpkin seeds!

√ Buy some Halloween candy for yourself. Yes, you DO deserve it!

√ Go somewhere with a corn maze or hay ride. There’s plenty of places in Butler County.

√ Throw a murder mystery party with your friends. A good old whodunit is always a good time.

Those ideas are enough to get you started, I think. Below are just a few of the happenings going on in and around Butler County this weekend, and a few are sure to have you closing out this scary season on a high note (or a screech … MWAHAHA).

The Harrisville Community Band will present its annual fall concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Hall, 313 E. Mercer St. Band members from teenagers to seniors will perform many classics during this free event.

There will be an opening reception for the Butler Art Center & Gallery’s next show “We Are All Artists” starting at 7 p.m. Friday at 344 S. Main St. By attending, you support the creative work of people from all walks of life, artistic ability and skill level. Admission is free. See the gallery’s website for more details: butlerartcenterandgallery.org/Events.

The Butler Elks are hosting the Silver Lake Band for a performance from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Admission is $5 at the door of the lodge, 80 Kaufman Drive, Butler.

The Butler YMCA Turkey Trot is back this Saturday! Register for the few spots left by visiting bcfymca.org/events/2024-turkey-trot and paying $30. Day-of registration will take place at 8:30 a.m. at the Y, 339 N. Washington St., with the race starting at 10 a.m. If you are registering on the day of the trot, please provide payment in cash or check form.

Butler Catholic School wants to help you get your Christmas shopping started early at their Holiday Market event at 9 a.m. Saturday. Stop by the school gym at 515 E. Locust St. for access to local crafted goods and even a chance to meet Santa at 1 p.m. There will also be children’s activities. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Soroptimist International of Butler County is hosting a bingo event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Butler Elks Lodge 170, 80 Kaufman Drive. The cost is $35 for 10 games and access to yummy breakfast food and raffles. Tickets are available by calling Barb at 724-712-0747 or messaging the Soroptimist International of Butler County Facebook page.

Come rain or shine, the Grove City Wine Walk is happening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in the borough. Local winemakers and other vendors will be populating the downtown area. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Visit GroveCityWineWalk2024.eventbrite.com.

The First Catholic Slovak Union is sponsoring a dance to benefit food banks. Doors open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Slovak CU Club, 910 6th Ave., Ford City. Admission is by donation of nonperishable food items or cash. Call 724-763-9229 with any questions.

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s next concert, “Symphony Fantastique,” starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road, Butler Township. Presale tickets cost $30 for adults and $10 for children and students, and day-of tickets cost $35 for adults and $12 for children and students. Visit the symphony’s website at ButlerSymphony.org for more information.

Benefit Robin’s Home for female veterans at the Thanks for Giving Purse Bash from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at The Atrium, 1031 W. New Castle Road. Your ticket includes a delightful lunch, drinks, dessert and access to the fun. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Watch or even participate in a free Folk and Gospel concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Ave., Butler, at 7 p.m. Sunday. For more information, see the “Butler New Horizons Folk and Gospel Band” page on Facebook.

If you want to submit an event for Miller Minutes, email the information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.