The only masks I will talk about this week are the ones that will be worn in celebration of the 75th Mummers’ Day Parade through Halloween. The only shots I will talk about this week are the ones that lead to a buck being entered in my favorite contest of the year.

Through my eyes, now through the holiday season is the most wonderful time of year in the West Branch Valley. The changing of the seasons, the beautiful hues of autumn that lead us to the serenity of that first snow. We all have only so much time on God’s Green Earth, do not allow Dr. Fauci or anyone to deter you from getting the most out of your short time here. This is a time for family, for thankfulness, for appreciation of how truly blessed we are. Please live every day to the fullest and enjoy everything from trick or treating to hunting together, right through to Thanksgiving followed by the Christmas season.

This has been my favorite time of year since I was a little kid living at the top of Kane Street, just waiting for the Mummers’ Parade, and choosing that special costume from Hills for Halloween. It’s funny how life has taken me from the top of Kane Street to my Webb Weekly office now at the foot of Kane. I guess you could say I worked my way down.

I could tell you stories about the Mummers’ Parade, which used to be held at night that involved both tricks and treating. The tricking ones I’ll leave in the past. I enjoyed my time at Central Elementary when we would sell hoagies to benefit the PTO that everyone would buy and eat before the evening parade.

The Mummers’ Parade is one of many great local events that celebrate small-town Americana. Don’t let it march by another year; take the whole family. There’s a lot of fun to be had by all — shoutout to Dori Rankinen for a great job in reviving the event.

My Editor, Steph, and staff will be overseeing our annual Webb Weekly Halloween Contest for kids under 12. This year’s version will be counting Halloween treats, as in candy. Steph has all the info covered when you flip the page. I hate to admit this, but whether it’s been counting spiders, ghosts, vampires, or candy corn, I’ve never gotten the count right. So, good luck to all the boys and girls. If you bring the young ones in with their postcard to enter, there will be a big bucket of candy guaranteed to sugar them up. Just see my long-time employee “Bones” for the treat.

There will also be no talking about herd immunity this week, Actually the exact opposite. Whether you choose archery, rifle, muzzleloader, or all the above, I wish you great health and good luck. I hope your shot finds its mark, and thank you for helping manage the amazing herd of Pennsylvania whitetail.

Now back to that time slipping into the future thing, it is our 14th annual Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest. A special tip of my Webb Weekly orange hunting hat with the American Flag on the side to all that have entered over the years. The contest winner is usually one of the biggest bucks harvested statewide.

The event is named in honor of my Uncle Ron Maietta, lifetime outdoorsman, and Webb Weekly’s own Ron Mingle. My Uncle fought MS to the very end and always figured out a way to fish and hunt no matter the shape he was in. The Mingle family has been with me since the start of the Webb Weekly. First with Ron and now his daughter Alys. Ron is still the top dog in overseeing the contest but is assisted by Alys. Steph, the matriarch of the Mingle family, deals with the challenges of MS each and every day.

So, here’s a quick overview of this year’s Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest; full details can be found on page 56. I believe a trophy is in the eyes and hands of the holder. Any buck can be entered and gets you registered to win a Savage Access Rifle with all the trimmings — this compliment of Sauers Trading and the tag-team duo of John and Donnie.

The monster buck of all wins a shoulder mount courtesy of Poust Taxidermy. Dana and taxidermy lady, Sam’s work is second to none. Your buck may be initially scored and entered at Poust Taxidermy in Jersey Shore or Sauers Trading in Southside.

If your bruiser ranks 2nd through 4th place, you win a $100 venison processing gift cards from Thompson’s Packing in Jersey shore. The great people at Thompson’s turn your boned venison into some of the best hot dogs, bologna, sausage, and jerky you can find.

Now to the most important and prideful part of the contest. For every buck registered, a donation will be made in the hunter’s name to our local MS Society. Last year’s donation was $1455.

And again, thank you, hunters, for the extra effort of entering for a great cause.

Let’s all be careful out there and enjoy autumn in Pennsylvania.

God Bless America.