Enjoy Free Historical Autumn Games, Halloween Customs & Storytelling at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek On Oct. 25

​All ages are welcome to enjoy the autumn setting at Mac-A-Cheek Castle flanked with fields and woods where you can participate in Historical Autumn Games and Halloween Customs on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The free 90 minute outdoor program begins at 4:00 pm.  It does not include entrance to the Castle.  Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek is located at 10051 TR 47, West Liberty, OH 43357.

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 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 a new game comparing Bats to Birds. 
 
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 tale, “Rip Van Winkle” offers insight into the time the United States was young, 250 years ago.

End the celebration around a community bonfire (weather permitting).  Participants are welcome to show how you celebrate Halloween today by wearing a costume, bringing a jack-o’-lantern to display and take home after the event, and learning how to make a classic bat with modern materials to decorate your house.   
 
This is the final 2025 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, supporting sponsor Jeffrey Glebocki, and as one of several 2025 & 2026 events and programs at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek funded, in part, by the America 250-Ohio Commission.
 
Saturday and Sunday, October 25 & 26 are the last two days for facilitated, self-guided tours of Mac-A-Cheek Castle, between 10-4. Visit www.piattcastle.org for tour rates and 2026 school programs.  By January, 2026 free events will be listed on the website.  For more information call 937-465-2821 or contact [email protected].