Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Oct. 19-21)

Check out my blog every Thursday for "Events This Weekend"!

Thursday-Sunday, October 18-21
DISNEY ON ICE PRINCESS CLASSICS
At The John Paul Jones Arena. Beloved Disney Princesses Together in One Sparkling Spectacular! Disney On Ice waves its magic wand to bring an awe-inspiring, magical masterpiece to Charlottesville! Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics, produced by Feld Entertainment, features Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White. For the first time ever, Disney On Ice combines exceptional moments from Disney’s Cinderella, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in one captivating production filled with amazement and wonder. Dreamers of all ages will take flight on a heart-warming tale filled with sizzling special effects, dazzling set designs and elegant artistry on ice. Families will share moments of laughter, romance, struggle and triumph as each Disney princess has her dreams come true.Tickets are $12-$34 each. Thu, Oct 18: 7:00 pm. Fri, Oct 19: 7:00 pm. Sat, Oct 20: 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Sun, Oct 21: 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm. Web: www.johnpauljonesarena.com For more info call: 888-575-8497.

Now-Sunday, October 21
GREEN VALLEY BOOK FAIR
Encourage your child to read by expanding his or her home library at prices you won't believe! Huge selection of children's books at 60%-90% off retail prices on new, over-run or irregular books. 2192 Green Valley Ln., Mt. Crawford (in Shenandoah Valley btwn Harrisonburg and Staunton). Directions: take I-64 west to I-81 north, exit 240 on Rt 682, go east, following signs. 9am to 7pm daily. $free admission. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 800-385-0099.

Now-Sunday, October 21
STUART LITTLE BY THEATRE IV - RICHMOND
Empire Theatre, Richmond.From the loving heart of E. B. White, author of Charlotte's Web, comes this merry musical about a noble mouse who jumps headlong into adventures big enough to match any imagination. By turns funny, tender and exciting, Stuart Little mixes gorgeous child-size puppets with live actors to work theatrical magic. Empire Theatre. Directions: Located at 114 West Broad Street between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. On-street parking and paid parking are available in the vicinity of the theatre.. varies. All ages welcome. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-344-8040.

Friday-Sunday, October 19-21
AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL
The whole family will love this Wintergreen Resort weekend of pumpkin carving, chairlift rides, a Haunted House and apple cider. Wintergreen Resort. 10am to 9pm. All ages welcome. Email: wintergreen@wintergreenresort.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8180.

Friday-Sunday, October 19-21
SHENANDOAH FALL FOLIAGE BIKE FESTIVAL
Greet old friends and make new ones as you participate. Cyclists from all over the country bike the routes whether fully experienced riders or families here for a fun weekend. Although some of the winding country roads have hills, there are many flat stretches and always views of the mountains in glorious October foliage. Shelburne Middle School, Staunton. Directions: at the western edge of Staunton, easily accessible from I-81 and I-64. All ages welcome. Email: info@shenandoahbike.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-885-2668.

Friday-Sunday, October 19-21
THE LITTLE THEATER THAT COULD: A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS
Four County Players presents an evening of songs from old friends and new faces. Join us for a performance of some of the greatest hits of Four County Players from the last 35 years. Directed by Francine Smith with music direction by Greg Harris. Barboursville Community Center. Directions: Take 29N to Ruckersville. Turn right onto Rt. 33 east. Go approximately 7 miles. As soon as you enter Barboursville, veer right onto Rt. 678. The theatre is the second building on the right. Friday and Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2:30pm. $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-832-5355.

Friday & Saturday, October 19-20
SPIRIT WALK
Locals can visit all the best haunts of the past and hear stories from live costumed "ghosts" they encounter along the way in this popular nighttime tour by the Albemarle County Historical Society, now in its 12th year. Various evening tour times available. Special tours for children before 8pm. Tours leave from Court Square on Jefferson St. and end at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society's headquarters. 200 Second St. NE. $12 adults; $5 children under 12. Reservations required. 434/296-1492.

Friday, October 19
CHARLOTTESVILLE HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME
Go Knights! Charlottesville High School. Directions: 1400 Melbourne Road, Charlottesville, VA. 7:30pm. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/245-2410.

Friday, October 19
PUBLIC NIGHT AT THE OBSERVATORY
UVa McCormick Observatory.Three telescopes at the McCormick Observatory offer amazing views of our galaxy (weather permitting) while astronomy staff and graduate students answer questions. A slide show and tour are also provided. Open every 1st and 3rd Friday. McCormick Observatory. Directions: From Emmet Street (Rt29) near UVA and Ivy Rd (Rt250) turn onto McCormick, follow signs up the hill. 9 to 11pm. $free. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:jdh7h@virginia.edu?subject=Public. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/924-7494.

Friday, October 19
THE DARK THIRTY
"When I was growing up in the South, we kids called the half hour just before nightfall the 'dark-thirty.' We had exactly half an hour to get home before the monsters came out," says author Patricia C. McKissack. Brave souls ages 7 and up can join the folks at Crozet Library during "the dark thirty"-- that special half-hour just before nightfall, when it's neither day nor night-- for a fun-filled hour of spooky stories, ghoulish games, and fiendish food. 6pm. Free. Registration required. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 434/823-4050.

Friday, October 19
VICTORIAN HAUNTS - RICHMOND
Brave souls are invited to tour Maymont House while it is draped in Victorian mourning with photographs, portraits, and other macabre keepsakes on display. After a fascinating presentation by mourning expert Mary Brett, Maymont's horse-drawn hearse leads a procession to the Stone Barn for chilling ghost stories of Richmond. 6-8:30pm. $17, $15/members. Reservations required. Maymond House Museum, 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 329.

Saturday, October 20
APPLE BUTTER MAKIN FESTIVAL
Flippin-Seaman.Watch apple butter being made the old-fashioned way. Live music, pick your own pumpkins, pony rides (11-2), games, food, clown, crafters and more. Nelson County. Directions: Route 29S for 30 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 56W. Go about 1 mile, turn right onto Rt. 655 (Roseland Rd.). At stop sign, turn left (Rt. 151S), go over bridge, and take the next right on RT 56W again. Stay on 56W for about 6 miles and Flippin-Seaman, Inc. will be on your left. 10 to 5pm. $cost of apples. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@flippin-seaman.com?subject=Apple. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/277-5824.

Saturday, October 20
AUTUMN LEAF RAMBLER
Fluvanna County Parks & Recreation. ALL ABOARD! FCPR is proud to partner with the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society to bring you a most memorable train ride experience. The Old Dominion Chapter owns a number of historic passenger coaches and engines for preservation and for use on excursion train rides. Enjoy a beautiful lazy fall morning riding the railway from Dillwyn to Bremo Bluff and back. Seating is limited - sign up early! Meet at the Lake Monticello Food Lion Parking lot at 8am. Transportation leaves at 8:20am SHARP!. $30. All ages welcome. Special Needs Accommodation: VA law states all children under 7 years must be in a child seat. Parent must supply child seat for FCPR transportation service. Contact: Chris Henderson. Email: chenderson@co.fluvanna.va.us. Reservations are required. For more info call: 434-842-3150 ext. 106.

Saturday, October 20
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Chocolate lovers are invited to a day of pure chocolate indulgence with tastings, imported chocolates, and chocolate fountains. Foodies will be able to find out more about chocolate, its origins, cocoa beans, how it is made and also purchase gourmet chocolate creations including barbeque ribs with a hint of chocolate. Lee Park, Charlottesville. Directions: Lee Park is located one block north of the Downtown Mall, between Jefferson Street, First Street N.E., Market Street and Second Street N.E. 11am to 4pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Evelyn Jones. Email: yanceygirl@ntelos.net. For more info call: 434/293-4394.

Saturday, October 20
CINDERELLA PUPPET SHOW
Old Michie Theatre.The tale is based on the classic French version by Charles Perrault, and adapted for the puppet stage featuring hand-carved marionettes from the Czech Republic, sound effects, and a flying magical coach. Old Michie Theatre. Directions: 221 East Water Street, across from the Water Street Parking garage in downtown Charlottesville. . 11am, 2pm, 4pm. $5. Contact: Steve Riesenman. Reservations are required. For more info call: 434/977-3690.

Saturday, October 20
FALL FUN FAIR AND SILENT AUCTION
The University Montessori School invites one and all to the annual Fall Fun Fair and Silent Auction. For kids, there will be games, prizes, crafts, and much more, and for the grown-ups a fabulous silent auction and raffle. There will be live music and plenty of food. University Montessori School, Reservoir Road, Charlottesville. Directions: Take Fontaine Avenue south to Trinity Presbyterian Church. Park at the Church and cross Reservoir Road to the school. 4 to 7pm. All ages welcome. Contact: Louisa Wimberger. Email: ums@universitymontessori.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/977-0583.

Saturday, October 20
OCTOBER CARNIVAL AT RED HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A great night of family fun featuring a raffle, silent auction, games, dinner, and a BOO House! Red Hill Elementary School, North Garden--just down 29S. Directions: From Cville: take 29 south 7 miles past I-64 interchange. Left on rt 710 at Expressway gas station. Proceed to school straight ahead. 5 to 8pm. All ages welcome. Contact: Melissa Conley-Zimmerman. Email: melissa.conley@ahom.com.

Saturday, October 20
VIRGINIA STATE MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL - CENTRAL
High School Marching Band Festival. CHS is one of only two schools to achieve a superior rating every year since the festival began in 1981. CHS Stadium. All ages welcome. Contact: Vince Tornello. Email: CHSBand@ccs.k12.va.us. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/295-8453.

Saturday, October 20
WALTON'S MOUNTAIN MUSEUM FALL FESTIVAL
Walton's Mountain Museum. Annual Fall Festival and 15th Anniversary Celebration with live music, crafters, apple cider making, food and hayrides. Walton's Mountain Museum, Schuyler. Directions: Rt. 29S about 18 miles until Rt. 6 E. Left on Rt. 6 East and go about 6 miles. Right on Rt. 800 (Schuyler Rd.). Go down Rt. 800 for about 2 miles and take a right onto Rt. 617, the Museum is on the right. 10am to 4pm. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/831-2000.

Saturday, October 20
GREENFIELD FARM FALL FESTIVAL
Kids of all ages can enjoy hayrides, meet farm animals, and play in the five-acre corn maze at the Greenfield Farm Fall Festival. Toddlers can romp in the straw play area. Pumpkins to pick, too. 10am-6pm. Dairy Road (Route 633), 2 miles north of Ruckersville off Rt. 29. 434/985-7653.

Saturday, October 20
OKTOBERFEST - NELLYSFORD
Outdoor traditional Bavarian festival with live music, dancing, food, and kegged beer (sold separately). $40/person advance, $45/door. 5-11pm. Mark Addy Inn, 56 Rodes Farm Drive, Nellysford. 800-278-2154.

Saturday, October 20
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT PANCAKES & SAUSAGE FEAST
Head over to this all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage feast. Charlottesville Lionesses host this annual event at Applebees, 29 North. 7:30-9:30am, $5. 434/973-5000. Event benefits hearing aids for those in need research programs at UVA Medical Center to offer vision and hearing screening in local schools.

Saturday, October 20
CARING FOR CREATURES DOG WALK AND FESTIVAL
A fun day for the entire family. Help raise money for homeless animals by collecting sponsor donations. Prize for person with most pledges. Walkers welcome with or without a dog. Crafters, vendors, educational demos, and more. $3; free/children under 12. 10am-3pm. Pleasant Grove, Palmyra. 434/842-2404 or caringforcreatures.com

Saturday, October 20
HULA DANCE WORKSHOP
Charlottesville's own Mou'a Vahine Polynesian Dance Co. sponsors a hula dance workshop to teach the dance of Hawai'i. Workshop features basic instruction by kumu hula [hula master] Celena. New and experienced dancers welcome. 10am-noon, $25. Pre-registration required. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St. NW. aniseh33@earthlink.net or 434-284-2613.

Saturday, October 20
HAUNTED WINERY DINNER - FABER
Stroll the haunted vineyard for tastings at multiple stations. Come in costume and sample the wines and feast prepared by Eric Stammer. 6:30-9:30pm, $65/person. Delfosse Vineyards Winery. Reservations required. 500 DelFosse Winery Lane, Faber. http://www.delfossewine.com/

Saturday, October 20
HALLOWEEN SWING DANCE
DJ Ken Roesel teaches beginner west coast swing lesson at 6:30pm, followed by an intermediate lesson at 7:15. Then dance your head off. Smoke and alcohol-free, no partner needed. 8-11pm, $12, $9/members, $6/students with ID. Come in costume-- prizes awarded. Greek Orthodox Church fellowship hall, 100 Perry Drive off McIntire Road. 434/980-2744 or www.cvilleswingdance.com.

Saturday, October 20
FLUVANNA SPOTLIGHT SHOW
The Fluvanna Spotlight Show happens tonight-- come out to Palmyra to enjoy singers, dancers, comedians, jugglers, and other talented local folks. 7pm, $10, children under 12 free. Central Elementary School in Palmyra. 434/589-1864.

Saturday, October 20
CLAIRE LYNCH IN CONCERT
Rare chance to hear this female vocalist of the year (1997, and currently nominated for this year) (with two Grammy nominations for best bluegrass album). Maybe they'll play "Kennesaw Line"! 8pm, $20/advance, $24/door. 214 Community Arts Center, Rugby Road. 434/409-9631

Saturday & Sunday, October 20 & 21
APPLE HARVEST AND APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL
Drumheller's Orchard, Lovingston. Corn Maze, hayrides to the orchard and pumpkin patch. Large selection of apples, fresh cider, honey, hams, food, country music and crafts. Music and apple butter making Saturday only. Nelson County. Directions: 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane, Lovingston, VA. Take Route 741, off U.S. Highway 29, south of Lovingston. 9am to 5pm. All ages welcome. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/263-5036.

Saturday & Sunday, October 20 & 21
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Graves Mountain Lodge. Enjoy a beautiful fall day and some apple picking fun! When you are finished in the orchard, check out the dancing, music, food, carriage rides, and ponies. Older children can go on 40 minute trail rides and children under 8 can be walked on a pony lead line. Rain or shine! Graves Mountain Lodge. Directions: 29N to Rt 231 in Madison, go 5 miles to Banco and turn left on rt. 670 and drive 4 miles to the Lodge. 10 to 4:30pm. $free admission. Rides have a small fee. All ages welcome. Contact: Tom Seay. Email: info@gravesmountain.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-923-4231.

Saturday & Sunday, October 20 & 21
PUMPKIN FEST AT CHESTER FARMS
Wagon rides to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, craft and food vendors, music and cloggers, an animal petting zoo, haunted barn, pony rides and free contests and children's games. A truly fabulous fall family fun event! about 10 miles west of Staunton. Directions: I-64W to I-81N. Exit 225. Go left onto Rte 275W and go to the end of the highway. At US 250 turn right and go 4.2 miles. Farm is on right.. 9am to 6pm. $Free admission; fee for food and rides. All ages welcome. Email: wool@chesterfarms.com. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-337-7282.

Saturday, October 20
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES KROGER 200 - MARTINSVILLE
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers will be in the stretch run when they hit Martinsville's tough half-mile oval shaped track on October 20th. You'll see these drivers battle it out to the finish and you know what that will deliver; top-notch action.Join in the excitement as The Martinsville Speedway plays host to the KROGER 200 featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.For a complete schedule of events, visit the Martinsville Speedway website. Race starts: 2:30 pm. Martinsville Speedway, 340 Speedway Road, Ridgeway, VA 24148. Admission Fee. Children Welcome. Toll-Free Ticket Line: (877) 722-3849. TDD: For Hearing Impaired Fans: (866) ISC-TRAK. Email: mksmith@MartinsvilleSpeedway.com Website: www.MartinsvilleSpeedway.com

Sunday, October 21
2007 CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE AMERICAN HEART WALK & WELLNESS FAIR
Join the fight against heart disease and stroke with thousands of walkers on a 1- or 5-mile trek around the beautiful UVA grounds. Lots of fun heart-healthy activities for the entire family. Scott Stadium . Directions: on Alderman Road . 1 to 4pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Christen Gelfand. Email: christen.gelfand@heart.org. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-5072.

Sunday, October 21
JOHN HENRY AT THE PARAMOUNT
John Henry uses storytelling, drama, and music to bring this well-known American folklore figure to life. Henry's incredible size and strength became legendary as he laid track for the railroads. No one could match his skill or endurance … until the invention of the steam-powered locomotive. Mad River Theater Works creates vibrant, evocative plays based on American history, showing the grit and humanity of characters from the past in a unique theatrical style that appeals to audiences of all ages. The Paramount Theater. Directions: Downtown Mall. 3pm. $20.50 Youth/Child, $25.50 adults. All ages welcome. Email: info@theparamount.net. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/979-1333.

Sunday, October 21
FREE CONCERT IN THE MOUNTAINS
Breakin' nu' Ground: Concert and good times at Humpback Rocks Mountain Farm. Free, 1-3pm. Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 5.8. 434/293-5422.

Sunday, October 21
AN AFTERNOON OF CHORAL TREASURES
The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville-Albemarle will present "An Afternoon of Choral Treasures" on Sunday, October 21, 3:30 pm, at Charlottesville's First Presbyterian Church. Full of variety, the concert program is designed to appeal to all ages and priced to encourage families to enjoy this exciting music together ($10 per person or $20 per household). All audience members are cordially invited to meet chorus members and L. Thomas Vining, Music Director, at a reception immediately following the concert. Tickets are available from chorus members or by calling 434-295-4385. For more information, visit www.oratoriosociety.org .

Sunday, October 21
NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES RACE THE SUBWAY 500 - MARTINSVILLE
The SUBWAY 500 is an important early stop in The Chase For The NEXTEL Cup and the only short-track stop in the Chase. The cup race always sells out and is extremely popular with the fans.The speedway is offering a 2-day package for the SUBWAY 500 weekend. The package includes the same reserved seat for the Kroger 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (October 20th). The cost for the package is an amazing $100 and $105. The 2-day package is the only way a reserved seat for the Kroger 200 may be purchased.Jump start your SUBWAY 500 race day with one of the Speedway's two incredible pre-race fan hospitality experiences: The Pepsi Fan Zone and the Bud Fan Zone. The Martinsville Speedway is one of the oldest tracks in the NASCAR circuit. The track is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2007. Gates open: 9 am. Race starts: 1 pm. Martinsville Speedway, 340 Speedway Road, Ridgeway, VA 24148. Admission Fee: $42 - $77. Children Welcome. Toll-Free Ticket Line: (877) 722-3849. TDD: For Hearing Impaired Fans: (866) ISC-TRAK. Email: mksmith@MartinsvilleSpeedway.com Website: www.MartinsvilleSpeedway.com

Karen
www.move2va.com