Thor, the rain god, smiled on festgoers last Saturday, stopping the rain at the opening bell of Catasauqua's 8th annual Fest-O-Fall celebration. The cool day and the crowds that came out mid-afternoon kept the festival going well past its scheduled closing time.

This year's celebration added a few new twists. Steve and Lisa Finke of Meadow View Beekeeping brought along their beehives and some interesting takes on honey.

"The dark one is from a buckwheat and aster field," Finke said. "The buckwheat imparts a different musty taste."

Also new this year, Tom Jones, resident archaeologist, opened the doors to the historical dig taking place at the George Taylor House. Excavators removed over 10 tons of debris. According to Jones, hundreds of significant items have been recovered.

The cost of the project is covered by a grant from the Trexler Trust.

"Without their assistance, we would not be able to get this done," Jones said.

Research by Jones lead to the discovery of a detailed list of George Taylor's possessions at his death.

"With that list we have a good idea of the period pieces that were important to him," Jones added.

For aspiring actors and actresses, the Catasauqua Area Showcase Community Theater took applications for its spring musical "Shrek."

A production meeting is set for Oct. 20 with auditions scheduled for Nov. 9 and 10.

Kathie Metzler, assistant director and choreographer, assured everyone who applied that if they want to be on stage, she will find a part for them in the cast.

"The theater company started as a fundraiser to help a needy family and has continued that mission," said Bill Nothstein, the director and founder.

Last year, patron donations of $1,300 were matched by the theater company and given to a needy local family.

As part of its dedication to the area, the community theater is sponsoring a food drive at Sunday's North Catasauqua Autumnfest to restock the Catasauqua Community Food Bank.

This year the Fest-O-Fall hayride took its passengers through the Iron Works. Gates to the property have been closed for decades and the area is slated as the next large development project in the borough.

Melissa Jacob of Julia's 4 Seasons, a high-end consignment shop and Lehigh Valley Style magazine award-winner, staged a fashion show highlighting not only her merchandise, but also her customers.

Fest-O-Fall brought together residents enjoying many family activities and good food, with strong support from the community.

This year, in addition to the volunteers from Historical Catasauqua Preservation Association, 90 students from Catasauqua High School volunteered to support the event.