In “A Lesson before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines, the young black man Jefferson is condemned to die for murder. As he awaits the electric chair, he is visited by Grant, the local teacher at the plantation school. Grant’s mission is to spend time with Jefferson so that he might confront death with his head held high. In the process, Jefferson is cajoled into eating some of Miss Emma’s gumbo. In honor of this food that is made with love, Central Library hosts the “Great Gumbo Contest.” Contestants are invited to show off your gumbo making skills, and the public is invited to try out the entries. Rules for the contest can be found here. It’s all part of “The Big Read.” 201 E. Market St. 979-7151.

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John McCutcheon.
Publicity photo

John McCutcheon, folk music’s renaissance man, master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author showcases his infinite vocal and lyric variety at a concert at PVCC’s V. Earl Dickinson Building. 961-5376.

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Haunted Staunton
PHOTO courtesy of the Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society

The Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society invites thrill-seekers to explore the eerie side of Staunton on a 90-minute walking tour. Two different tours offer ghostly tales and historic facts from the city’s past showcasing the Ghostly Newtown (meet at Coffee on the Corner at the corner of S. Market St. and E. Beverly St.) and the Haunted Wharf (meet at the basement entrance of the Jolly Rodger Haggle Shop
located behind the Wharf parking lot just off of W. Johnson Street). Reservations are recommended. 540-448-2743.

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Ahh, Heaven!
PHOTO courtesy FUMC

Chocolate lovers are invited to a day of pure chocolate indulgence with the First United Methodist Church’s annual Chocolate Festival. Temptations include chocolate confections on Chocolate Lane, a silent auction, gift shop, food court, music, along with a moonbounce, face-painting, and kids’ games. To prepare for the onslaught, the 5K Chocolate Chase Run and Walk precedes the festivities at 8am. A pancake breakfast—yes, there is chocolate chips inside—takes place in the church’s Fellowship Hall also at 8am. Proceeds benefit the church’s outreach ministries. Lee Park across from the Church on Jefferson St. 293-4394.

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John Green.
Publicity Photo

The original Nerdfighters come to Northside Library. John and Hank Green are the Vlogbrothers, one of the most popular (and nerdy) channels in the history of YouTube. They’ll be talking, singing, and discussing all things awesome. Books and CDs will be signed. Happy dances will be danced. Be there and be square. Free tickets will be available starting Friday, October 10. Stop by the Northside Library or call 973-7893 to pick up or reserve your tickets. Albemarle Square.

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 Kids of all ages can join Grandpa as he introduces you to some amazing creatures, great and small, during this fantastic puppet show by award winning author David Messick. This musical review of animal songs and stories provides entertainment for the whole family. Performed today at Central Library. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.     

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Pick one.
PHOTO BY wikked one

City folks can get out to the country to enjoy a beautiful fall day and some apple picking fun at Graves Mountain Lodge’s Apple Harvest Festival. After they finish in the orchard, visitors can check out the dancing, music, food, carriage rides, and ponies. Older children can take a 40-minute trail ride; those under 8 can be walked on a pony lead line. Rain or shine.  Small fee for rides. Graves Mountain Lodge: Rt. 29 north to Rt. 231 in Madison, 5 miles to left on Rt. 670, 4 miles to the Lodge. 540-923-4231.

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Kida ages 7-12, grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to travel the globe. Whether it’s through music, food, games, or art, you’ll learn about our fascinating neighbors around the world at the Crozet Culture Club. This week’s trip explores the customs and culture of India, home of the Taj Mahal and the country where chess, yoga, and algebra originated. Registration is required. Crozet Library in the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

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Teens in grades 6-12 can check out Hollywood’s take on their favorite books at Central Library. See how the books were changed, find out what others think, and share snacks. Haven’t read the book? No problem—they’ll help you find a copy. Registration required. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.

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PHOTO courtesy CVF

Charlottesville’s annual Vegetarian Festival invites everyone to eat more veggies with more than 100 exhibitors including restaurants, free food samples, a dog and cat Adopt-A-Thon, nonprofits, silent auction, live music, and more. Activities for children include magicians, jugglers, vegetable-print painting, a beanbag toss, face painting, and a children’s literature table with information about animals and the environment. Downtown at Lee Park on Market St. 979-1200.

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Drumheller’s Orchard in Lovingston celebrates autumn with an Apple Harvest and Apple Butter Festival. Corn Maze, hayrides to the orchard and pumpkin patch, an apple sling shot, apples, fresh cider, honey, hams, food, country music, and crafts are all part of the fun. Route 741 off Rt. 29, south of Lovingston. 263-5036.

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Archangel Arts Center hosts the heavenly 5th annual Chocolate and Fine Arts Festival. It’s a delicious day filled with live music, fine art, crafts, games, prizes, food, and fun. Rt. 29 north/6173 S. Seminole Trail, Rochelle, VA. 540-948-5628.

www.archangelarts.com

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In case you missed Crozet’s star turn in last year’s Steve Carell-Morgan Freeman comedy Evan Almighty when it came out last year, you can catch it for free on the big screen at Washington Park on Saturday, June 21. They’ll get the movie going at twilight, once it gets dark enough, which they estimate will be sometime after 7:30pm. It’s part of a series of outdoor screenings the City will host at its parks this summer, along with showings of Akeelah and the Bee on Saturday, July 12 at Tonsler Park and E.T. on Saturday, August 9 at Meade Park.
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Of course, we’re all familiar with the Charlottesville farmer’s markets, the one on Water Street and the one at Meade Park, as well as the new Forest Lakes market, but there are a few other far flung markets…here’s the skinny. (more)

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