Weekend Planner: Pumpkin Day, Walk-A-Thon for Domestic Abuse, Halloween Costume Swap

We've listed the biggest events in town and nearby this weekend, but be sure to visit our events calendar for many more happenings!

Events in Town

Pumpkin Day at Hilltop Hanover Farm

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown

Why Go: Grab a sweater and head over to Hilltop Hanover Farm to celebrate "Pumpkin Day." Guided tours of Hilltop Hanover Farm will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the tour you will be able to see the progress of the new chicken house. Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic or pick up lunch in town. 

You can also choose a pumpkin for carving (nominal fee) or visit the farm stand to pick some fresh ingredients for a fall soup. 

Contact: For more information, visit the Farm's website at hilltophanoverfarm.org.

Taconic Opera Presents Boito's Mefistofele

When/Where: There are five performances: three performances at the Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce Street on Oct. 19, 20 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.; two performances at the Performing Arts Center at SUNY-Purchase on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.

Why Go: Taconic Opera, winner of the 2012 Arts Organization of the Year Award, opens its 15th season with a remarkable opera, Arrigo Boito's Mefistofele, based on the story of Faust. This is the consummate story of love, lust and redemption as Faust struggles between the forces of good and evil - with music to match. Arrigo Boito was Verdi’s best friend and one of his principal librettists. As an opera, Mefistofel was ahead of its time both musically and dramatically and broke all the sacred opera rules of its day

Price: Ticket prices range from $57-$32 with discounts for seniors and those who purchase tickets to multiple operas; students can attend for $15.

Elizabeth Butler 7th Annual Walk-A-Thon

When/Where: Sunday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at the North Salem Lion’s Club, located at Mills Road and Route 22

Why go: The walk was created to help raise awareness about teen domestic abuse in memory of Elizabeth Butler, a victim of dating violence. The day’s activities include an interactive safety demonstration by Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts, BBQ, music and more. The first 200 participants will receive free T-shirts. 

Founded in 2005, Elizabeth G. Butler Foundation is a non-profit foundation for education of teens and parents about teen dating abuse in memory of Elizabeth Gabrielle Butler who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend when she was 17. The goal of the foundation is to help young adults understand and use the concepts of communication, self-discipline and self-respect in relationships. 

Contact: For more information or to donate visit http://egbaf.tripod.com/

The Lakeland Education Foundation's Family Fun Day and Craft Fair

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 20 at Ben Franklin Elementary School from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: The fair will benefit the Lakeland Education Foundation's efforts to provide support for the district students and schools. It will feature performances by Unfunded Mandate and Uncle Bros. Band. In addition there will be a Funflatables (obstacle course, double sided slide, sponge bob and princess castle) with 100 percent of the wristband sales donated back to the LEF.

Also on hand will be the representatives from the Yorktown fire and police departments, Alliance for Safe Kids, and the United for the Troops organization.  PTA from the Lakeland Central School District will have booths for face painting, sand art, tattoos, cards for veterans, and creating a chain of kindness. Patches the clown/creative balloon maker will be on hand. There will be a total of 20 vendors on hand as well. Bob's Barbeque will be there with their food truck and will donate 25% of what is sold to the foundation.

Other events include, Cheerleaders of all ages performing at 2:00, Tae Kon Do show 2:30-3:00, and Zumba Tayna Class 3:00 to 3:30.

Price: There is a $5 family admission fee. Wristbands unlimited access are $10. 

Children's Annual Tag Sale

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yorktown Community Nursery School (247 Veterans Rd.).

Why Go: The Yorktown Community Nursery School is hosting it's annual Children's Tag Sale. Collected are gently used toys, books, clothes, baby equipment. There will be raffle prizes too.

Patch Picks Regional Events

Pleasantville Home Garden Tour

Where/When: 21 Ashland Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Why go: Take a self-guided tour of Jean Nonna's award-winning garden, as part of the Garden Conservacy's Open Days program. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Garden Conservancy and the Friends of Rocky Hills.

Pricing: $5/person; free for children 12 and under

The Mitzvah Project

Where/When: Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester 

Why go: Middle and high school students are invited to play baseball with special needs through the Miracle League of Westchester. RSVP by emailing allison@­rosenthaljcc.­org.

Pricing: Free

Pet Adoption Day

Where/When: Thornwood Self Storage (950 Broadway) on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why go: Meet some of Pets Alive Westchester's adoptable animals this weekend and you could take home a new family member the same day. Dogs, cats and rabbits will be on-site.

Pricing: Free to browse

Halloween Costume Swap

Where/When: Memorial Plaza gazebo in Pleasantville on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Why go: It's the last day to drop off an unwanted Halloween costume or pick one up for free. Read more about this PleasantvilleRecycles initiative here.

Pricing: Free

Historic Cemetery Tour and Headstone Cleaning

When/Where: Chichester cemetery, 9:30-11:30am

Why go: There will be a demonstration of headstone cleaning with the opportunity for volunteers to give it a try. Bedford Town Historian John Stockbridge and members of the Friends of Bedford Burying Grounds will talk history, point out unique headstones, and share fascinating facts about some of Bedford’s 30+ burial grounds.

Price: Free

Fall Foliage Walk with the Pound Ridge Land Conservancy

When/Where: The Richard's Preserve on Honey Hollow Road, very close to #134. The Richard's Preserve is on the west side of the road. 10 a.m.

Why go: What color does a sugar maple turn in the fall?  What about white oak?  What about white ash?  When our forests explode in their autumnal color, they follow patterns which will be examined during this lite walk through the Richard's Preserve. Join Tate Bushell, the Pound Ridge Land Conservancy's Land Steward/Educator on a delightful walk through a protected woodland and see the forest in a new way. 

Price: Free

St. Patrick’s School Fall Family Festival

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 20 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the St. Patrick's School in Bedford.

Why go: There will be fun and games for all as our outside grounds transforms into a fall festival atmosphere!  There will be Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Sand Art and Pumpkins, Pie Eating Contests Food Tent and much more. You can even buy some Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Yankee Candles.  Welcome the arrival of fall with a fun family day helping to support a new school science lab.

Price: Entry is free, purchase game tickets