By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Evans Towne Farmers Market

Last Thursday! 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 25 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music by Impulse Ride - original and acoustic pop/rock. 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

A Nightmare on Broad Street Pub Crawl October 25, 8:00 – 11:55 p.m. Celebrate all things fun and spooky in Augusta. Wear your best Halloween costume and ride the trolley through downtown with stops at participating bars and restaurants. Registration begins at 6 p.m. at the corner of 11th & Broad Street. Location: Corner of 11th & Broad, Augusta Downtown. Ticket: $10.00. Website: Pub Crawl Information

Vineyard 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

Weekend Events October 25, 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 25, 4:00-11:00 p.m. Come out in your best Halloween costume and party it up with the hottest

bands in town at the first annual Día De Los Muertos Augusta, GA! Ticket: $7.00 in advance &

$12.00 day of show...kids 15 and under are FREE!!! Address: Augusta Common, 800 block, between

Reynolds and Broad Streets. Find us at https://www.facebook.com/events/521019831317239.

All Hallowed Eve Ghost Walk & Illusion Show October 26, 6:00 p.m. Walk amongst the ghosts of yesteryear in a Colonial setting, entertainment in the Tavern, Faire Wynds grand finale at 8:30 p.m. Guided tours every 15-20 minutes from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., reservations required. Tours canceled if downpour, go on in light rain. Cost: FREE. Address: Living History Park, 299 W. Spring Grove Ave. North Augusta, S.C. Website: www.colonialtimes.us

Maize Season at Steeds Dairy Sep 21- Nov 13. At 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 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

Savannah Speed Classic October 25–27, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Speed Classic is a unique car race track experience offering an intimate look at the inner workings of racing! With features such as hot lap ride and pit access, you’ll be strapped, full throttle and up-close and personal. For downloadable/printable directions to the Grand Prize of America Road Course, click here. See event details. http://www.hhimotoringfestival.com/events/speed-classic.html.

Trick or Treat on Newberry Street October 26, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Children's Halloween event featuring carnival games, inflatable amusements, a costume contest, trick or treating, refreshments and much more! Downtown Newberry Street , Aiken, S.C. Cost: FREE! Website

An Evening with Nicholas Sparks 2October 26, 7:00 10:00 PM, Evans, GA. Join us for an evening with best-selling author Nicholas Spark. 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. Columbia County Library, 7022 Evans Town Center Boulevard – Evans.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

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.

"BILBO AND THE MAGIC RING" Storyland Theatre, continues their very generous offer of FREE Tickets to Fort Gordon ACTIVE DUTY SERVICEMEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. Loosely based on "The Hobbit", it tells the story of Bilbo Baggins as he searches for his girlfriend Symphony, who has been kidnapped by 2 silly, scruffy Trolls. On the way he meets Gollum, a talking tree and a riddling Spider. Lots of action, and wonderful musical numbers by talented adult performers, with great costumes, settings and more. This is a fantastic offer, especially for our younger Soldiers with Families. Saturday, November 2, 3:00 P.M. at The Imperial Theatre, 749 Broad Street, Augusta. The Box Office opens inside the theatre at 2:15 P.M. Come to the Military table for your free tickets, and choose any seats you like in the Theatre. After the show, the children get to meet the actors, and we are happy to take pictures with the children as well. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Storyland-Theatre/167116648777?ref=stream&hc_location=timeline.

RED, WHITE & 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

27th Annual Christmas Made in the South November 15-17 at James Brown Arena. The shows are unique, featuring hundreds of artists & master craftsmen. Everyone attending the show will have the opportunity to meet & talk with talented craftsmen & artists. Advanced tickets at Cudos for $6.00. Tickets purchased day of the event $7.00. For more information visit website; http://www.madeinthesouthshows.com.

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

Nobember 1st ~Augusta First Friday! On the First Friday of each month a celebration is held downtown on Artists' Row extending from 7th to 12th Street on Broad Street. Galleries and studios remain open those evenings to debut new works, arts and craft vendors sell their wares, and music can be heard all over. We invite you to visit First Friday and return to enjoy our music, food, museums, antiques and attractions. First Friday is a FREE, monthly, family friendly event in Downtown Augusta. See more information at www.augustaarts.com/firstfriday.htm

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!