By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Evans Towne Farmers Market

Every Thursday until October 24th, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the Columbia County Public Library, Evans GA. All meats, eggs, dairy and produce will be from local and sustainable farms. There will also be cooking demos and education, local artisans with handcrafted goods, live music, local food vendors and weekly events. Visit www.evanstownefarmersmarket.com.

Western Carolina State Fair

October 17-26. All of your favorite rides, carnival food vendors and games, a petting zoo and a line-up of entertainment, including the Demolition Derby and the USC Aiken Pro Rodeo. For a complete schedule and additional information, visit www.westerncarolinastatefair.com.

Georgia-Carolina State Fair October 18-27. Classic carnival rides and food vendors, agricultural exhibits, contests, musical entertainment and more. It's not too late to buy your tickets ahead of time online at tixonline.com and save on admission and wristbands! See our website for more details. Admission plus unlimited rides is $25. General admission is $6 and a wristband is $20. If you buy online, admission plus unlimited rides is just $15! Location: Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 308 Hale Street, Augusta. www.georgiacarolinastatefair.org.

Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruise October 18 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music by Brandon Cocker. Bring aboard your refreshments of choice. Cost: $25.00. These highly popular cruises frequently sell out, so reservations are strongly recommended. Address: Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta Downtown. www.augustacanal.com

Vineyard Wine Market Wine Tasting

Repeats every Friday at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Age Suitability: 21 and up. Address: 4414 Evans to Locks Road, Evans GA. See website: www.Vine11.com

The Ugly Duckling ~ The Tortoise & The Hare October 18, 7:30 p.m. Recently featured on America's Got Talent, LightWire Theater return to bring this classic stories to the modern stage offering hope to us all as we root for the ugly duckling who exemplifies resilience and heroism along the way to becoming a beautiful swan. The Tortoise and the Hare continues to drive home the time-tested adage, " Slow and steady wins the race." For tickets information, visit Augusta Amusements at www.augustaamusements.com, under the “Events” tab or by calling 706-726-0366. Location: at Jabez Sandford Hardin, 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd, Evans GA.

Weekend Events October 18, 2013

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Augusta Ghost Trolley Haunted History Tours Repeats every week every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Sat Nov 02, "Ghost Hunting 101" Trolley tours! The Augusta Ghost Trolley is pleased to welcome our favorite mentalist and paranormal entertainer, Michael Thornton! Our trolley guests will learn about the local history and spooks, learn how our local ghost hunters conduct their investigations, and explore their findings with several downtown haunted locations!! Advance reservations required. Address: Departs from The Book Tavern, JB Whites Building 936 Broad Street. Augusta. For reservation call 706-814-5333 or visit http://augustaghosttrolley.com

Welcome to Nightmare Plantation Haunt Season September 27 to November 2, 7:00 – Midnight. Grant Opening night, September 27, featuring the New Haunted Hayride! The Plantation covers more than 21 acres and features a 110-year old plantation house, which according to local history, is infested with poltergeists. This claim is supported by the residents of the property who have experienced numerous paranormal activities during their 35 years at the property. Address: 1110 Dodge Lane, Grovetown GA. http://nightmareplantation.net

Graystone Ranch Fall Fest Repeats every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until November 30. Graystone Ranch

is an organization dedicated to children and environmental/wildlife, domestic and

exotic animals. Come and enjoy Pumpkin patch, haunted forest, haunted hay rides,

hay maze, more! Address: 1017 McManus Road, Hephzibah GA. Admission is $10.00

for the entire weekend! www.graystoneranch.com

Plantation Blood is Back! September 27- November 2. Are you ready for the Halloween season? Come and see our new location bigger and better than ever! 4127 Wallie Drive, off Windsor Spring Road, Augusta. www.plantationblood.com

House of Terror Haunted House September 26 ~ November 3. Prepare yourself, for a Halloween Haunted House experience like nothing before. Designed by John Carter who has developed many haunted attractions around the area and he was also recognized by top haunted house websites. Address: 308 Holly Lane, North Augusta SC. Learn more www.schouseofterror.com.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

October 19, 1:00 ~ 4:00 p.m. More than 200 wines to sample, international beer and culinary items from local restaurants and featuring Augusta Technical College culinary class. Address: Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans to Locks Road Martinez, GA. Cost: $35.00 advance, $40.00 at door. www.csrawinefestival.com

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Hispanic Celebration at Hilton Head October 19th from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. There will be a variety of family and cultural

activities including DJ’s, live band music, traditional Latin food, folkloric Latin

dancers, professional Salsa lessons, an on-the-spot dance competition, arts and

crafts as well as plenty of fun and games for kids. This will be the largest and

most exciting cultural event to take place in our region this year! Address:

Shelter Cove Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head, S.C. Google Map.

For more information visit La Isla Magazine website; www.laislamagazine.com

Colonial Times "A Day To Remember" October 19–20, This event provides hands-on experience and a glimpse of life from 1735 - 1785. Blacksmithing, open-fire cooking, goldsmithing, spinning and musket firing are among the demonstrations. Exhibits include a working smokehouse and a beehive bake oven.Tavern, blacksmith forge, backwoods cabin, and educational cabin. Very educational. Entertainment throughout the day. Small battle at both. 299 W Spring Grove AVE corner of Lake and West Spring Grove North Augusta, S.C. Website

Boo At The Zoo October 18-30, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hey, kids! Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the annual Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo. The family-friendly Halloween event runs from 6 to 9pm each evening. Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more! Tickets go on sale on September 1. All tickets must be purchased in advance –tickets will not be sold the nights of the event. Tickets are $7 for Riverbanks members and $9 for the general public. 500 Wildlife PKWY NE Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, S.C. Website

Maize Season at Steeds Dairy Sep 21- Nov 13. At 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. October 12th: Flea on the Farm Craft Show! There's nothing more Fun than a day at the farm! Steed's Dairy is a real working dairy farm. Available activities include a petting zoo, jumping pillow, giant tube slide, rubber duckie races, preschool play area with swings and slides, corn kernel pit and more. During our fall Maize season enjoy hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin patch and real cow milking demonstrations. All that fun might make you hungry. Come enjoy a variety of concessions under our covered pavillion. Take a visit back in time to the wholesome by gone days of yesteryear at Steed's Dairy and The Maize at Steed's Dairy. Don't forget your camera! Location: Steed's Dairy 4634 Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown GA. Steed's Dairy Website

Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m. Monkey Joe’s, 368 Fury’s Ferry Rd. 706-922-5867. www.monkeyjoes.com.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

IMPORTANT NOTE: The 21st annual Boshears SkyFest scheduled for this weekend, 19 and

20 October has been postponed to April 26 and 27 2014 due to the government shutdown, event organizers announced Monday. All advance tickets purchased will be refunded. For

more information on refunds, contact Augusta Aviation at (706) 733-8970.

Pawprints Foundation Presents - "Party Animals" October 19 at Taylor BMW, Evans GA...Come to enjoy an evening of fun and frivolity to benefit local animal rescue groups! Live and silent auctions, music, wonderful food and entertainment...and a room full of animal lovers! If you would like to be a sponsor, donate an item for the live or silent auction or food/beverage for the buffet, please visit http://www.pawprintsfoundation.org or call 706-863-2067. All dressed up and somewhere to go!

The Great Bull Run is is Coming to Atlanta! This isn’t a charity 5k or a simulated bull run with people dressed in bull costumes chasing you down the street. This is the real deal, modeled after the famous San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, but without all the time and money required for a trip to Europe! Held at Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers on October 19, this race recreates the famous Running With the Bulls with real bovines chasing participants through the course. But there’s more to The Great Bull Run than just running with bulls! Join thousands of fellow thrill-seekers in this massive day-long festival featuring bands, games, food, beer and, of course, Tomato Royale, the post-race recreation of Spain’s La Tomatina festival. For more information, Prices or to Register, go to www.thegreatbullrun.com

TEXAS ROADHOUSE RESTAURANT OPENING OCT. 21 Texas Roadhouse will open for dinner on October 21 at 107 Sherwood Drive,

near the Washington Road intersection, Augusta. The 7,100-square-foot chain

restaurant can accommodate more than 250 diners. Augusta is booming!

An Evening with Nicholas Sparks 26 Oct, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Evans, GA. Join us Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 pm for an evening with best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, presented by the Columbia County Library. The event is free and open to the public. Sparks is known for his 17 New York Times #1 bestsellers, many of which have been adapted into films. This is Sparks’ first time speaking in the Augusta area. Columbia County Library, 7022 Evans Town Center Boulevard – Evans.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Saturday, November 9, at 9:00 a.m. Run or Dye launches in Augusta! Come

take part in this awesome FIRST race and get fit while being blasted with

color! At James Brown Arena, 601 7th Street, Augusta. For registration

or more information visit www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

RED, WHITE AND BLUE VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 at 6:00 P.M. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy

the music of the U.S. Army Signal Corps Band beginning at 6:00 P.M.

Fireworks at dusk! 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. At 7016 Evans Town Center Boulevard

Evans, GA. FREE ADMISSION

Augusta Barnyard Flea Markets! Come and explore the Augusta Barnyard Flea Market! With lot of vendors that are frequented by millions of shoppers a year. There’s plenty of parking, elbow room, hospitality and fun. You will find an enormous variety of bargains and surprises along our clean and spacious aisles. With so much to choose from the entire family will enjoy this one of a kind shopping experience. Markets open: Sat 7:00-4:30 and Sunday 8:00-4:30.1625 Doug Barnard Parkway, Augusta downtown.

The Augusta Market March 23 - November 23, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Browse local produce, baked goods, coffee, arts, crafts and more. The Augusta Market is located in beautiful downtown Augusta on the 8th Street Plaza which intersects with Reynolds Street. For more information visit website: www.theaugustamarket.com.

Where to Dine………………. Prepare to indulge your appetite and taste buds. With more than 300 restaurants – Many To help you begin your culinary journey, we have compiled a list of area favorites. http://www.augustaga.org/Where-to-Dine

*Saturday Historic Trolley

Every Saturday! The tour include a tour through the Augusta

Museum of History. From 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. and a driving tour

through historic Downtown Augusta from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Reservations are required at least 24 hours prior. Depart from

the Augusta Visitor Center. $12.00 Reservations: 706-724-4067.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Fort Gordon Upcoming Events

And More…http://fortgordon.com

Fort Gordon Thrift Shop Sale! NOVEMBER 2, FROM 9:30 A.M. ~ 2:00 P.M. BEHIND MAIN P.X., AVENUE OF STATES & 40TH

FURNITURE CLOTHES + TOYS DISCOUNTS!

Info: facebook.com/ftgordon.thrift or 706-791-2779

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Vacations * Military Discounts

Coca Cola Armed Forces Appreciation All active and retired members of the Armed Forces will receive complimentary admission to the World of Coca-Cola. http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/armedforcesappreciation.htm

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort ~ Heroes Always receive 20% of the best rates, and a special salute to all servicemembers! http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark

Walt Disney World Resort “Salutes the U.S military” visit the following link for more information www.disneyworld.com/military Sea World /Bush Gardens are still offering Salute to our Heroes with One free admission to one of their theme parks for Active duty/retired personnel and family members. Visit www.herosalute.com to register.

Universal Studios’ Orlando discounted tickets for Military and Family members. For more information visit this link www.universalorlandoresort.com/minisite/military The Armed Forces Vacation Club offers affordable military vacations around the world for military personnel and their families. More information at www.afvclub.com MWR Resorts for Soldiers, Families, Retirees and Civilians. Visit www.armymwr.com

Recreation Parks Near Augusta, GA

*Splash in the Boro, Statesboro GA. Military Discount http://splashintheboro.com Stone Mountain Park, GA. www.stonemountainpark.com 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta on US Highway 78

Carowinds, NC. http://www.carowinds.com Carowinds is located 15 minutes from uptown Charlotte at exit 90

Six Flags Georgia, www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia/index.aspx Just minutes of North of Atlanta.

Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, www.georgiaaquarium.org Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, http://www.riverbanks.org Greystone Blvd. (1 1/2 miles west of downtown Columbia, S.C.)

Fort Gordon ~ Pointes West Army Resort The Resort can only be utilized by Active Duty Servicemembers, Retired Service members, DOD Civilians, Dependents/Family Members, and sponsored guests.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Fort Gordon ~ Atlanta ~ Augusta

Things to Do Links

Fort Gordon Religious Events & Activities Servicemembers, Families and Civilians experience music worship along with introductory prayers and a variety of other pertinent prayer worship! For more information visit http://www.gordon.army.mil/chaplain/events.htm Fort Gordon - Balfour Beatty Communities http://ftgordonfamilyhousing.com/subpage.aspx?cid=27&k=events

Fandango Augusta Area Cinemas http://www.fandango.com/augusta_ga_movietimes

For Augusta all kinds of fun things to do visit: http://www.augustaga.org/visitors/events James Brown Arena Upcoming Events www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com Festivities at Gwinnett Arena http://www.gwinnettcenter.com Visit Atlanta! http://www.atlantaga.gov Receive Fort Gordon up-to-date information on your cell phone by texting MWR to the number 82672!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!