Fall is fleeting

Hard to believe the Fryeburg Fair has come and gone. We’ve had perfect fall weather for the most part (although I just heard there is snow predicted for this weekend. That didn’t take long, last weekend was shorts and T-shirt weather.)

This season also brings us a few more changes in the business landscape as the busy season winds down (Freedom Cafe? closes till next spring, Merced’s is heading into its fall hours of service). Halloween brings a different kind of entertainment with Bray’s always holding some kind of Halloween celebration, this year’s includes a costume contest with cash prizes for funniest, most original and scariest costumes.

Octoberfest to benefit area’s food pantries

Octoberfest Family Festival, organized by the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, is a culmination and celebration of everyone’s support and hard work in raising funds for the local food pantries in our 10 town region.

It’s great family fun with lots of free food and activities for all ages. It is also the finale to the Chamber’s 10-week “Community Coin Challenge” in which they raise funds by distributing mason jars throughout the 10 towns. This year, the event is also receiving half the funds raised through the Rotary “Feet for Food” program. This great family event is being held this year at Camp Hinds in Raymond on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fun includes a huge yard sale, pancake breakfast, barbecue, zip line, guided nature walks, bouncy houses, climbing wall and more. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 18. For more information, visit www.octoberfestme.org or call 892-8265.

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Your support for helping those families in our communities that don’t have enough to eat is truly appreciated. Please consider donating on the site as well, and be sure to attend the event for a great time.

Pumpkin Auction

Also not to be missed is the annual Pumpkin Auction hosted by the Lake Region Vocational School. It’s so fun to see how the artists have chosen to surprise us with their original decorated pumpkins, donated by local talent.

The event is held annually at the Black Bear Cafe? in Naples on Route 302. This year’s auction is on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with previews beginning at 5:30 p.m. and bidding starting at 6 p.m. It is a fun family night. Come early, grab a table, and enjoy the Black Bear’s delicious food as you witness just how high bidders will go, all for a good cause. All proceeds go to the Vocational Center’s Skills USA and Future Business Leaders Teams holiday fairs.

On to holiday fairs…

The first Christmas craft fairs are just around the corner. The Holly Berry Fair is one of the most popular. Held at Lake Region High School, this event is one of the biggest fundraisers held for Project Graduation. The fair this year is on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Booth space is available now, on a first come, first served basis. Rates run from $45 to $65 depending on what you need for space and tables and chairs. Contact Rachel Legere at r.legere@hotmail.com or 595-5135 for more information.

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The following weekend the American Legion on Route 11 in Naples will hold its Holiday Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Crafters, vendors and any flea market or yard sale sellers are encouraged to reserve their spot for just $20, which includes a table. There will also be a bake sale at the event. For more information, or to reserve your table, or donate a baked good, contact Marion at 693-6016.

After the Legion’s event, you can head on over to the Edes Fall Circle’s Ho Ho Sale on the same day, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Noontime Lunch menu will offer New England clam chowder, and corn chowder, as well as hot dogs. There will be handmade items for sale, a Chinese raffle, a bake sale, and a chance to purchase tickets for an amazing quilt.

Play ball

Registration is open for Youth Basketball through the Naples Recreation Department. Kindergartners through Grade 2 start Nov. 7. The deadline for registering is Oct. 23. Registration deadline for grades 3-6 is Nov. 7.

The Recreation Departments of Naples, Bridgton, Sebago and Casco are also looking for coaches. If interested in coaching or for more information on the Naples Recreation Basketball Program, contact Harvey Price at 693-6364.


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