All ages are welcome to enjoy the autumnal setting at Mac-A-Cheek Castle, flanked by fields and woods, where you can participate in Historical Autumn Games and Halloween Customs on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The free 90-minute outdoor program begins at 4 p.m. It does not include entrance to the castle. Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek is located at 10051 TR 47, West Liberty, OH 43357.
Participants will be able to make their own corn husk toys and dolls, as well as bobbing for apples on a string and other fun historic autumn games. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
A favorite feature of this autumn event is the bean-bag toss game inspired by the 1916 poem, “When the Frost is on the Punkin” by James Whitcomb Riley. All ages can join an interactive reading of that short, colorful poem focusing on the sights and sounds of fall on a farm.
Nature activities will follow, including making corn husk toys, bobbing apples on a string, and games with acorns, walnuts, and hedge apples, along with two explorations: Corny Facts and Kernels of Knowledge, featuring a giant interactive quilted corn with husks, and multiple activities comparing Bats to Birds. In addition, use modern materials to make a bat to decorate your own house.
Through storytelling, you’ll discover how our American customs grew from ancient practices and popular literature. Our featured author this year is Washington Irving (1783-1859), whose tales, “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” have become literary classics that still influence popular culture today.
The Headless Horseman, a character found in Washington Irving’s classic tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” will be a story retold at the event. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
End the celebration around a community bonfire (weather permitting). Participants are welcome to show how they celebrate Halloween today by wearing a costume, bringing a jack-o’-lantern to display, and taking it home after the event.
This is the final 2026 free event sponsored by the Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. It is free thanks to the Mary Eleanor Morris Fund of the Columbus Foundation, and as one of several 2025 & 2026 events and programs at Piatt Castle, Mac-A-Cheek is funded, in part, by the America 250-Ohio Commission.
Be sure to come in costume to this fun family event. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
We also have one additional event for adults and older children coming up this season. A unique performance of Rip Van Winkle will take place in the drawing room at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek on Halloween weekend.
Tickets are available at www.piattcastle.org/events, along with a description and performance times.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25, are the last two days for facilitated, self-guided tours of Mac-A-Cheek Castle, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visit www.piattcastle.org for tour rates and 2027 school programs. By January 2027, next year’s free events will be listed on the website. For more information, call 937-465-2821 or contact [email protected].
