By Kelly Huth
On Oct. 21, Easton area families strolled the Karl Stirner Arts Trail in costume during the fourth annual Come As You Art/Arf parade. Participants were challenged to get creative and dress as their favorite artist or favorite piece of art.
“It’s a great way to bring kids into thinking of art as engaging and playful during the Halloween season,” says Jim Toia, director of community-based teaching at Lafayette.
The Come As You Art parade has grown each year, and this was the first to welcome pet participation. This year’s event also included a juggler, stilt walker, and a visit from the Big Easy Easton Brass Band.
“It helps boost awareness of the trail, but it also fosters appreciation of art and what it can do for the community,” Toia says of the parade.
But it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of a number of volunteers, including community members and Lafayette students. Toia, executive director of the nonprofit Karl Stirner Arts Trail, notes Matson Rose ’26, Lily Dineen ’24, Emily Mackin ’24, and Olivia Zoretic ’24 regularly volunteer at the trail and lend their talents to KSAT events. Some assist with the Young Masters Wall and summer art program, while others help Lafayette faculty with projects along the trail, photograph events, or lead cleanups.
Toia estimates more than 20 professors utilize the arts trail as an outdoor classroom and work it into their curriculum for 40-plus classes.
“It’s a great way for faculty to reach out into the community, engage them, and utilize the dynamic resources that are right here at our doorstep,” he says.
