Weekend Planner: Pumpkin Decorating, Fire Department Carnival, Elmo Live and Beer for a Cause

Pumpkin Decorating in Mount Kisco and Yorktown

Where/When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Mount Kisco Public Library and at the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Why Go: All ages welcome; bring your own pumpkin and get in the Halloween spirit.

Price: Free, decorations are provided. Please call individual library to register.

Taconic Opera Presents Nabucco 

When/Where: , 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY, on Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday Oct. 22, 2011 at 8 p.m., and a Sunday matinee Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. An additional performance will be held at the SUNY-Purchase Pepsico Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

Why go: One of Giuseppe Verdi’s most performed operas in Europe is the story of King Nebuchadnezzar who destroyed the Jewish temple and carried awat the Jews to Babylon in the year 586 BCE. The opera features the Italian chorus, “Va pensiero,” and follows the political chaninations of the king’s daughter against the prophet Zechariah.

Price: Prices vary, discounts offered to seniors and students

Contact: 1-855-886 -7372, taconicopera@gmail.com or visit www.taconicopera.org

The Best & the Wurst - Beer Tasting, Hudson Valley Microbreweries

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 22 from 12-5 p.m. at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson

Why Go: Enjoy the foliage, a great brew and views of the Hudson River while supporting the Yorktown Rotary Club. Beer from Captain Lawrence, Defiance and Keegan Ales will be poured by representatives of the Hudson Valley microbreweries while members of the Yorktown Rotary Club will be providing beer brats, pretzels as well as soda for the non-beer drinkers. All proceeds go to the Wheelchair Project, providing the gift of mobility to children, adults and seniors unable to afford the cost of a wheelchair.

Price: Tickets in advance: $30 ($40 at the door), $10 for kids and designated drivers

Second Lake Mohegan Fire Department Carnival

When/Where: Thursday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd. in Yorktown. And then again from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30. 

Hours: Thursday and Friday- 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

Why go: Support your local fire department. The Lake Mohegan Fire Department is holding its second carnival to raise money for the Westchester County Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention and Parade. Proceeds raised at the carnival will go towards the department's 90th anniversary parade, which will be in conjuntion with the WCVFA Convention. In order for it to become a reality, firefighters have to raise $25,000. There will be rides, food and games.

GASLAND Screening

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 22, 1:30 p.m., The Peekskill Neighborhood Center

Why Go: Hydrofracking has become an increasingly controversial topic. The film, produced by an Oscar-nominated HBO filmmaker, looks at the effects that the natural gas drilling method has on families.

Price: Free

Elmo Makes Music

When/Where: Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21 at 10:30am and 7 p.m.  Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30pm and October 23 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Westchester County Center

Why Go: Elmo loves you. Share Elmo’s love of music with Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all of their friends in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music." Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo, Abby Cadabby and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together.

Price: Tickets are $15, $25, $30 and $40.

Zumbathon for Breast Cancer

When/Where: Hudson Dance and Tumble Center, 2144 Albany Post Road, Montrose, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.

Why Go: A fun and healthy way to support breast cancer awareness. All proceeds from the two-hour Zumbathon will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The class will be lead by local Zumba instructor Suzi Myers Tipa.
Dance as long or as little as you want to.

Price: $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Contact: 917-405-8727
 

Howl-O-Ween at the Beardsley Zoo

When/Where:  Friday and Saturday, October 21-22, (also October 28, 29) from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT

Why Go: Halloween Day is creeping up! Spend a fun and frightful evening at the Beardsley Zoo featuring a "Fairy Tales Gone Wrong" Hayride, Haunted Farmyard, Gruesome Greenhouse, and magic show by Jim Sisti.  Also check out Scarecrows on Parade and daytime Harvest Hayrides, weekends from October 19-30, 12 noon-3 p.m.

Price: Admission is $8 per person. Tickets also include free face painting and candy. Recommended for children ages 6-12 though some "scarier" activities of the evening may be better suited for children ages 8+. Hayrides are $2.00.