A Very Merrie Halloween * Allentown House Tour

A Very Merrie Halloween- 1803 House Emmaus PA- October 1, 2011

The 1803 House in Emmaus was once known for it's craft show. But as all things do, it ran it's course and slowly died. But the house is resurrecting a festival to take it's place and I think with the right plan it could be better than the Memory Days of the past.

This was the first year of the Very Merrie Halloween Festival and it was wonderful to take part in it. First, it didn't try to bite off more than it could chew- there was a half dozen artisans, kids crafts, food, story time, an apple pie contest and of course house tours. For a first year event I thought the attendance was astounding and I think they were happy with the event as a fundraiser.

I hope to continue to take part as the event grows each year, it is only about a mile from where I live, it was a superb day with strong sales, and i loved getting to tour the house and learn so many new things.

Allentown House Tour- October 2, 2011

Last year the house tour tried to add on a craft area to the house tour. This would give people something to do as they waited for the tours to leave, or to do when they were done. I haven't personally taken the tour but I have heard wonderful things about it from those who have. This year the craft portion was, for all practical purposes, rained out. The weather forecast looked as if we were going to be able to get the short time we were to be there in without incident, but a few hours into the event the rains came pouring down and the already sparse attendance washed away with the rains.

With only a half dozen or so vendors this small event could be great, especially as the house tour grows in attendance. However, it is tough on the rainy days. Sales last year or this year certainly weren't strong, but since I live nearby, and I can do another show on Saturday someplace else, we will probably give it one more try next year before deciding the fate of the event in our schedule.