Due to the threat of inclement weather, trick-or-treating for both Athol and Orange has been moved to Saturday from 5 to 7:30 p.m., according to the towns’ respective police departments.
Athol Police Chief Craig Lundgren explained the reasoning behind the date change on the department’s official Facebook page.
“Last week we had a young adult struck by a car due to low visibility and rain. I have four children who have enjoyed Halloween for many years. But looking at the forecast, rain coupled with strong winds, it’s just dangerous to have hundreds of children out and about and crossing streets when they may not be seen by everyone,” he said. “Yes, this is inconvenient. It is for me, too. But my job is to make sure your children have a fun night and go home safe.”
The towns’ respective preschool Halloween strolls have not been changed, and will still take place in downtown areas today from 10 a.m. to noon.
ORANGE — Volunteers are still needed to decorate Memorial Park this weekend.
According to Selectboard member Tom Smith, the Orange Merchants Group and residents will put up new holiday lights on Saturday at 10 a.m. A rain date has been set for Sunday at the same time. Volunteers are welcome to help.
The holiday lights for Memorial Park are funded via more than $7,000 in donations. Donations for future decorations are still being accepted, and checks may be made out to Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main St., Orange MA 01364, with “holiday lights” written on the memo line.
The lights will be turned on Friday, Nov. 29, when Santa Claus comes to town.
ORANGE — The Fall Fair at the Central Congregational Church of Orange, 93 South Main St., is Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The annual fair will feature a variety of food, including pies by the infamous “pie ladies,” numerous vendors, coffee and pastries in the morning, and lunch during the middle of the day with chowder, beef stew, sandwiches and more.
There will also be a center raffle table with more than 100 items to choose from, including themed basket raffles.