Herald News Report
FAIRBORN — The season of crispy colors, sweater weather and pumpkin-everything has arrived and the City of Fairborn Parks and Recreation Division is recognizing fall with a variety of spooky, outdoor and crafty activities for all citizens to enjoy.
To register for any of these activities, pick up a form from the Parks and Recreation office, 461 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road; or the Fairborn Government Center, 44 W. Hebble Ave. Make checks payable to the City of Fairborn. For more information about these events, call the Parks and Recreation office at 937-754-3090.
Take a Hike, Win a Prize
Enjoy a series of leisurely hikes through Fairborn’s parks led by an Ohio Certified Naturalist. Each hike allows participates name’s to be entered into a drawing for a prize at the end of the day’s hike.
Hike dates and locations are as follows:
– 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Valle View Reserve, 1097 Empire Ct. The hike is less than one mile.
– 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Community Park, 691 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road. The hike is a mile and a quarter long in distance.
– 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Oaks Quarry Park, 1267 E. Xenia Drive. It is two miles in distance. Strollers are not recommended.
– 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Community Park. It is a mile and a quarter long.
Paper Pumpkins on Painted Canvas
Students 5-years and older will paint an 8-X-10 canvas blue and use patterned paper, as well as brown buttons, to create a pumpkin and grassy scene. It takes place 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at Terri Lynn Art Studio and Gallery, 415 W. Main Street. Individuals must be registered by Wednesday, Oct. 5. The event is instructed by Gallery Owner Terri Perkins. Acrylic paint does not come out of clothes, so organizers suggest wearing old clothes. All supplies are included in the $15 fee.
Read, Explore, Create – Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
Students in first through fourth grade are invited to join together at Community Park for a hands-on adventure inspired by nature and books. Participants will read a story, go for a discovery hike with a Fairborn Parks naturalist and create a nature-based craft. It takes place 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at Community Park under shelter four. Organizers suggest dressing for outdoor weather.
Fooling Mother Nature: Forcing Flower Bulbs for Indoor Bloom
The beauty of bulbs is not exclusive to warmer months and the Parks and Recreation department is welcoming Jerry Haun, a Greene County Master Gardener to show participants how that is possible during a workshop. Participants will learn the four stages of bulb forcing: selecting appropriate bulbs, planting, cooling and forcing into flowering, plus pertinent after-care information on selected plants.
It takes place 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 within the training room at Fairborn Fire Station number two, 2200 Commerce Center Boulevard. Registration costs $5.
Spooky Spiders, Creepy Crawlies
Children aged 6-12 years-old are invited for some fun and educational outdoor exploration, discovering where spiders and creepy crawlies are hiding outside. Participants will investigate the woods, create crawly crafts and eat slimy snacks. It takes place 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Community Park under shelter two. Children may be dropped off and picked up at the closing of the program. Participants must be registered by Friday, Oct. 14 for a fee of $5.
Spooktacular Costume Contest and Parade
Fairborn is getting spooky again as it hosts its annual Halloween events, including a costume contest. Costume judging categories include aged categories from birth through adult, family, animal, overall best couple and overall scariest. No pre-registration is required and participation in both the costume contest and parade is free. Costume judging takes place 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at the Fairborn YMCA, 300 S. Central Avenue.
The parade starts 7:30 p.m., just after costume judging takes place, beginning at the YMCA and proceeding down Central Avenue to Main Street, ending in front of the downtown festival stage.
Halloween Booquet
The Parks and Recreation Division is offering an opportunity for those 18 years old and elder to scare up a little fun this Halloween by learning how to create a spooky floral masterpiece. The bouquet will be made in a real pumpkin with fall-colored flowers, aiming for the festive fresh arrangements to be a perfect way to complete Halloween decorations. It takes place 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at Hollon Flowers, 50 N. Central Avenue. It will be instructed by Flower Shop Owner Carolyn Hollon and Jamie Brauer. Participants should be registered by Monday, Oct. 17. All flowers and supplies are included in the $40 fee.
Family Fun Pumpkin Carving
Fall is the season of pumpkins, which means it wouldn’t be complete without cutting the orange balls open, pulling the guts out and carving designs onto the surface. The Parks and Recreation Division is offering this opportunity 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Fairborn Senior Center, 325 N. Third Street for a cost of $5. Participants will receive a pumpkin to carve and take home. All pumpkin carving supplies will be provided. One pumpkin per registration, which is limited to 40 participants of all ages.
