Second annual Howl at the Moon event in Exeter attracts more than 300 participants

EXETER – A second annual Howl at the Moon event brought over 300 area residents to ​Saint Cecilia’s Church grounds on Wyoming Avenue to celebrate the autumn solstice and raise money for a good cause.

Noelle Balent, a member of the Exeter Events Committee, said the organization put on the event to raise money for future events to bring the community together.

Balent, who also oversees the nonprofit’s social media, said she got nothing but positive feedback from those who attended, in spite of chilly temperatures.

“I saw friends from high school who said they stayed for several hours,” she said. “Everybody seemed to be having ​a good time,” she said.

The seven-hour event offered music throughout the day and Balent said, although the temperatures dropped, people simply grabbed an extra sweater to listen to the very last act.

Balent said the organization, in its second year, is aimed at reinvigorating the connection between borough residents by providing events and activities that bring them together.

Some of the vendors and food trucks, she said, were back for a second year, appreciating the venue and the friendliness of those attending.

The event drew those of all ages with face painting, arts and crafts available for the younger set and a beer tent offering a good time for adults.

Since Exeter Events was founded in January 2018, it has held held several successful events and is planning to add a new event each year.

This year, Balent said, a veterans event was held to mark Memorial Day.

When asked if the Howl at the Moon event would continue next year, Balent said, “Absolutely.”

The organization, which now has over a dozen active members, welcomes new members and suggestions from members of the community.

Chloe Chepalonis, 7, of Harding, smiles after seeing her face painted like a rainbow tiger by ‘Trading Faces Face Paint.’

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-.jpgChloe Chepalonis, 7, of Harding, smiles after seeing her face painted like a rainbow tiger by ‘Trading Faces Face Paint.’ Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Ann Becker, of West Pittston, fills out her information for raffle tickets during Exeter’s ‘Howl at the Moon’ event.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-2.jpgAnn Becker, of West Pittston, fills out her information for raffle tickets during Exeter’s ‘Howl at the Moon’ event. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Jacob Osborne, 4, of Hanover, enjoys a chocolate-covered marshmallow during Exeter’s ‘Howl at the Moon’ event.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-3.jpgJacob Osborne, 4, of Hanover, enjoys a chocolate-covered marshmallow during Exeter’s ‘Howl at the Moon’ event. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Simon Pollard, 10, of West Wyoming, and his mom Lisa look at items offered for sale by Wyoming Area students to show their school pride.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-4.jpgSimon Pollard, 10, of West Wyoming, and his mom Lisa look at items offered for sale by Wyoming Area students to show their school pride. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Ben Fisher, 5, of Exeter, and his mom Sandy try to decide which raffle baskets they would like to win.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-5.jpgBen Fisher, 5, of Exeter, and his mom Sandy try to decide which raffle baskets they would like to win. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Rob Brown performs during the ‘Howl at the Moon’ event in Exeter.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-6.jpgRob Brown performs during the ‘Howl at the Moon’ event in Exeter. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

‘Howl at the Moon’ decorations

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-7.jpg‘Howl at the Moon’ decorations Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Robert Space, of Wyoming, plays with his son Jaxon, 3, during Exeter’s ‘Howl at the Moon’ event.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-8.jpgRobert Space, of Wyoming, plays with his son Jaxon, 3, during Exeter’s ‘Howl at the Moon’ event. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Roxanne Bozek of ‘Trading Faces Face Paint,’ paints the face of Chloe Chepalonis, 7, of Harding, like a rainbow tiger.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_howlatthemoon-9.jpgRoxanne Bozek of ‘Trading Faces Face Paint,’ paints the face of Chloe Chepalonis, 7, of Harding, like a rainbow tiger. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Gionna Dixon, 7, of Exeter, enjoys making slime during the ‘Howl at the Moon’ event.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_ttl110319howlatthemoon.jpgGionna Dixon, 7, of Exeter, enjoys making slime during the ‘Howl at the Moon’ event. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch