Sweets to be served in downtown Greensburg tour; scarecrow contest benefits nonprofits

Visitors to downtown Greensburg can indulge their sweet tooth and scare up some donations for local nonprofits in programs organized by the Greensburg Business and Professional Association.

Those who purchase a bracelet can take a tour of 17 businesses from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday sampling treats from area bakers at each stop during the Sweets On The Streets event.

Anyone who visits participating downtown stores during the rest of October can vote for their favorite entry in the business group’s scarecrow contest. They can vote by making monetary contributions, with all of the proceeds benefiting the nonprofit groups that sponsored each scarecrow.

The scarecrow that collects the most money will be declared the winner on Oct. 31.

Sweets On The Streets is a new version of last year’s downtown Pie Walk, according to Amy Beeghly, president of the business group, also known as Shop Greensburg. She said this year’s event will give visitors a greater variety of treats to try while allowing participating bakers the option to offer more than pies.

The participating bakers have been revealed on the Shop Greensburg Facebook page, but the treats they turn out will be a surprise, Beeghly said.

In addition to the samples, she said, “They will be bringing things to sell as well as taking orders. So you can buy more if you like what you see.

“We’ve had 700 people on our Facebook page saying they’re interested in coming.”

While they last, Sweets On The Streets bracelets will be available for $20 during the event at the Lighting Gallery, 450 S. Main St. Participants will be given a map of the shops that are taking part.

The scarecrow contest also is a returning activity. Among the entries is a figure at Artisans of Hands & Heart that is inspired by late PBS art instructor Bob Ross and sponsored by East Suburban Citizen Advocacy.

Wolf Fang Mozart, sponsored by the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, is on display at Beeghly and Company Jewelers. A scarecrow version of the Dr. Seuss character Cat in the Hat, created by the staff at Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, can be viewed at the Wight Elephant boutique.

“We wanted to recreate a classic moment with a really recognizable children’s book character,” said head children’s librarian Jessica Kiefer. The cat is “holding a copy of a library card and sitting on the box he brings Thing One and Thing Two in.” The fish character from the Seuss story also is featured.

Library frolic planned

The library will host its annual Fall Family Frolic from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The free event will feature games, crafts and giveaways, including mini pumpkins. Three food trucks will be on hand and will donate a portion of their sales to the library.

“It’s a really fun way to visit the library,” said Kiefer.