Library offers play and connect

WELLSBURG — Those between the ages of birth and 6 are encouraged to join the Brooke County Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday in the Children’s Room to build, socialize and learn together through a variety of toys and games that develop hand-eye coordination and STEAM concepts. All ages welcome.

Parents or guardians must provide direct supervision. The program will be set up and torn down by volunteers and is not led by staff. No registration is required. For information, call (304) 737-1551.

Tailgate party to benefit K-9 unit

FOLLANSBEE — The Brooke County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Follansbee American Legion Auxiliary will hold a Tailgate for Tales fundraiser for the K-9 unit at the sheriff’s department. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Garibaldi Lodge, located at 670 Main St. in Follansbee.

The cost will be $15, which includes a hot dog, hamburger and pasta salad. Attendees can watch free football games and order from the lodge’s cash bar.

Additional food will be for sale, along with a 50/50 drawing and Chinese auction.

Center to hold Halloween program

PITTSBURGH — The Sen. John Heinz History Center will host a Haunted History Center Halloween program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26. Families can enjoy a day of “tricks, treats and ghoulishly-grand fun.”

A Halloween scavenger hunt will take place on all six floors of the museum, with trick-or-treat stations located throughout. Visitors can explore the scary Pittsburgh section inside the Pittsburgh’s Hidden History exhibit and encounter costumed interpreters in the galleries. Children can create their own masks inspired by the displays.

Folklorist Thomas White will lead Spooky Storytime at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., featuring eerie tales and legends from Pittsburgh’s past. Geared toward ages 6 to 12, sessions will present local folklore in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The program will feature Halloween-themed activities, including face painting, temporary tattoos and a photo booth. Children will receive a complimentary, special-edition, orange pickle pin as a souvenir.

Guests can step outside to visit the Coffin Bean and Co., a mobile coffee bar serving themed beverages.

With trick-or-treating, crafts, live storytelling and family-friendly activities, the Haunted History Center Halloween program offers something for everyone. Children are welcome to dress in costume, although full-face masks and toy weapons are prohibited.

Those 17 and under will receive free admission, while regular admission rates apply for adults.

For information and to register in advance, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.

Chamber to recognize residents

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will hold a meeting and awards dinner to recognize those having made an impact on the community from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Christ the Teacher Academic Hall.

An opening reception will begin at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program starting at 6 p.m. Guest speaker will be Richard Donnelly, professional baseball coach. Awards will include lifetime achievement, ambassador of the year and young professional of the year. To register, visit jeffersoncountychamber.com/events.

‘Dracula’ coming to the Benedum

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater will present the return of Michael Pink’s “Dracula” on Halloween weekend. The event will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Benedum Center. Based on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic horror story, this ballet will feature “dramatic choreography, exquisite storytelling, opulent costumes, theatrical sets and a gripping original score by Philip Feeney.”

“Dracula” is a captivating ballet that appeals to all audiences, according to Artistic Director Adam McKinney, who said, “It received a fantastic response when it premiered in Pittsburgh three years ago. We are excited to bring it back to Pittsburgh again this year. With its haunting special effects, romance and terror, ‘Dracula’ is the perfect dark and sinister experience for Halloween weekend.”

The performance is recommended for those 14 and older. Prior to performances, the theater is partnering with the American Red Cross to sponsor a blood drive. The drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Donors will receive a discount ticket offer. To register, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the code “Dracula Performance” in the “Find a blood drive” box.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 2 p.m. Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. Tickets begin at $33.50 each and available at pbt.org or by calling (412) 456-6666.

Pre- and post-show programs include: Opening night preview, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 31; artist question-and-answer period, after 7:30 p.m. show, Oct. 31; tea with the artistic director, 6:45 p.m., Nov. 1; artist question-and-answer period, after 7:30 p.m. show, Nov. 1; watch warm up performances during “Curtain Up,” 1 p.m., Nov. 2; and audio described performance, 2 p.m., Nov. 2.

Mah Jongg at library

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is holding Mah Jongg Fridays for those interested in playing the fame of tiles. Play is held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday. Participants can bring a set of tiles if they have them, officials noted. To learn how to play, contact the library and someone will assist you. No registration is required. For information, call (304) 737-1551.