It may officially be the season of spooky, with haunted houses giving scare-seekers a good scream, but Pennsbury Manor is ensuring that local children (and adults not willing to have costumed ghouls jump out at them) can also experience some Halloween festivities.
On Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the former Morrisville estate of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, the manor is once again hosting its highly anticipated Tricks & Treats event.
Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the free fall tradition typically draws between 800-900 attendees from across Bucks County and its surrounding areas.
Kids and guardians alike are invited to dress in their best costume and enjoy four hours of activities.
“It’s a child-friendly program, so there’s nothing scary about this,” said event coordinator Zachary Long. “It provides the kids with a safe environment to come trick and treat and have a good time.”
When guests arrive at the Visitor Center, they’ll be greeted by eye-catching decorations and Pennsbury volunteers donning their 17th-century garb. They can then transition onto the spacious grounds that lead to the scenic Delaware River, where a life-sized scarecrow depiction of Bill, Pennsbury’s resident ox, will be on display. Families can take photographs with the massive creation.
Event highlights include 17th-century craft demonstrations; a performance and instructional class by the Heritage Dancers of Brandywine, who are experts on colonial country dances; children’s crafts and colonial games; a corn maze; and a cornhole tournament between Hannah Penn and William Penn Jr., who had a bitter rivalry over owning and running the colony following Penn’s death.
In true Halloween spirit, trick-or-treating will take place around the Manor, with Pennsbury once again participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering non-food treats and games. This is done in recognition of the growing number of food allergies in children.
“Kids that have food allergies, or their parents just don’t want them having candy, there are options at every station so they don’t get left out,” explained Long.
Additionally, Tricks & Treats attendees can travel back to 1683 and join Penn in presiding over the witch trial of Pennsylvania colonist Margaret Mattson, who was accused of being a witch.
“Kids can partake in that witch trial and condemn or not condemn Margaret Mattson, which was the only witch trial to take place in Pennsylvania, so that’s kind of interesting,” said Long. “That’s about the extent of the historic side. This event is really geared toward children and the kids having a good time and getting excited about being at Pennsbury.”
Long stressed that Tricks & Treats is rain or shine.
“If it’s pouring, we’ll still be here. We’ll move things inside or put tents up,” he said. “It should be a good time.” ••
Pennsbury Manor is located at 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville. For information on other upcoming events, visit pennsburymanor.org.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
