Tricks, treats, terror and treasures

From bats that catch bugs to those that score runs, a cornucopia of Halloween-themed events will captivate county residents this week.

Starting tomorrow through Saturday, devilishly fine food from the Black Cat Café - monster meatball to I scream sandwiches _ will help protect the lives of area animals. The French-themed restaurant will also feature a host of treats, such as chances to win a goody bag for pets and a costumed wait staff.

"We purchased the Black Cat Café with the goal
of providing a superb dining experience in its own right with every
dime going to save lives," said Pat Maloney, vice president of PALS, an animal rescue group. The cafe, located at 40 Berkely Rd, Devon,  is open for breakfast and lunch from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays
through Fridays. For more information, visit http://www.palspets.org
or http://www.theblackcatcafe.org.

The first-ever "Tournament of Terror" will bewitch participants starting Wednesday and running through Sunday as costumed coaches from six area baseball leagues will try to get their 10-year-old-and-under players to score at frighteningly fun levels. Night games will be played at the KAU Complex on Leslie Road in Kennett Square weeknights and Saturday with day games at the Avon Grove Fields on Schoolhouse Lane in West Grove Saturday and Sunday.

The participating teams: Avon Grove Bulldogs 1, Avon Grove Bulldogs 2, Downingtown Devils, GameReady Dragons, KAU Knights, Lionville Hillcats, and Oxford Outlaws. Several Halloween-themed activities and food will add to the entertainment. For a schedule and directions, visit www.halloweentournamentofterror.shutterfly.com.

Also on Saturday, the City of Coatesville will host its 2nd annual Coatesville Halloween Parade, expanding the parade route from Fifth Avenue to Abdala Park. The goal: filling the streets with fun, positivity, pride and families, said organizers.

Register at City Hall if you think you have what it takes to scare off the competition and beat last year's winning costume. The lineup will begin at 5th Avenue and Lincoln Highway (across from the library) at 4:45 p.m., and the parade will follow at 5. For more information, visit http://www.coatesville.org/first-halloween-parade-a-success.