FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MERCER COUNTY AREA CELEBRATES AUTUMN WITH TRICKS AND TREATS THIS OCTOBER

--Fall Aficionados to Indulge in Craft-Making, Pumpkin Painting and Harvest Markets--

MERCER, Pa. – October 1, 2009 – Fall enthusiasts don’t have to wait to until Halloween to celebrate the tricks and treats of the season. Beginning October 1, visitors to the Mercer County area can take pleasure in autumn activities and festivals for the whole family to enjoy.

Take in the fall foliage and enter a scarecrow decorating contest at Mercer’s Fall Pumpkin Patch at the Courthouse Oct. 1-31, where the most unique scarecrow will win a prize. The Fall Fest Family Fun Day will also take place at the Courthouse on Oct. 17 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy a night of singing and dancing at the starlit Harvest Moon Gala. The Mercer County Courthouse is located on Rt. 19 and Diamond St. in the heart of Mercer.

October 10 marks the 12th Annual Grove City Fall Fest at Memorial Park in Grove City.  Guests can enjoy a farmer’s market, pumpkin painting and free hayrides. Other activities include craft and yard sale tables and a pet parade. The event is free of charge and runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 10-11 in Volant, Pa. will feature fall craft demonstrations, scenic hayrides, a delicious chili cook-off and a farmer’s market complete with apple butter making and pumpkin decorating. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located on Main Street. The Apple Castle Fall Harvest Festival on Oct. 10 will celebrate the harvest season with crafter exhibits, entertainment, food, hayrides, bag “your own apples” and fresh cider. The festival is located at Apple Castle Rte. 18 and New Castle-Sharon Rd. in New Wilmington, Pa. Time of the festival is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Oct. 27-31, Greenville, Pa. will host the Scarecrows in the Park contest where businesses and individuals can sponsor “themed scarecrows” that will go on display in Central Park Main Street for the public’s enjoyment. The scarecrows will be judged after the Greenville Halloween Parade at 1 p.m. on Oct. 31, and cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. The parade begins at the Medical Center and ends on Main St.

For more information about festivals and events in Mercer County, log onto www.VisitMercerCountyPA.com or call 724-346-3771.

About Mercer County:
Located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, along the Ohio border, Mercer County is home to name-brand outlets, boutiques and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for its more than 25 challenging golf courses of inspired design. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine in Mercer County's array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland and other major markets, Mercer County is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. The County offers the perfect escape.  For more information, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPa.com.