Events

THIS WEEK: AUG. 27 to SEPT. 2, 2010

Plymouth Kielbasa Festival, the annual street festival celebrating the Polish sausage with competitions, craft and food vendors, car show, parade (Saturday at 9 a.m.) and two stages of entertainment including John Stevens Doubleshot, 40 lb. Head, Tom Slick and the Grease Slappers, Joe Stanky & the Cadets, the Polka Naturals, Flaxy Morgan, Iron Cowboy and more. Main Street in downtown Plymouth. Today, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 779-3215 or plymouthalive.org.

Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza, the largest outdoor sportsmen’s show in the East with a bird-dog competition, hunting-and-fishing flea market, Federation of Black Powder Shooters primitive encampment, kids target activities, Youth ATV safety classes, kids free fishing area, archery novelty shoots, running-deer target shoots plus displays and seminars. Kempton Fairgrounds, Exit 40 off I-78, Kempton. Today, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5, $1 children. 610-398-7609 or lvhfe.com.

Mother Cabrini Youth Center Picnic, with homemade ethnic foods, children’s activities, bingo and other adult games of chance, raffles, lottery scarecrow, themed baskets and live entertainment by Soundwave and the Fobias. Ranshaw Civic Association Grounds in Ranshaw. Tonight, 5 to 10; Saturday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. 648-4512.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Regional AACA Car Club. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Tonight, 6 to 9. 309-2367.

Back Mountain Farmers Market, with baked goods, gourmet foods and coffee, organic eggs and monthly programs by the Penn State Master Gardeners. Back Mountain Memorial Library parking lot, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas. Saturdays through Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 675-1182.

Wally Lake Fest, two days of events on and around Lake Wallenpaupack. Included: Boat, Watercraft and ATV Show at Wallenpaupack Area High School (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Boat Parade on the Lake (Saturday at 2 p.m.), tours of the Lake Wallenpaupack Dam (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Learn to Kayak at the Visitors Center (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Sailboat Rides at Wilsonville Marina (Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.), kite flying at the Palmyra Township Beach (Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Scenic Boat Tours (Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.), Golf Driving Challenge (Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and a bike ride from the Visitors Center to a path along the Lacawaxen River (Sunday at 10 a.m.). For a detailed schedule of events, log onto visithawleypa.com.

Hoop-Making Workshop, techniques for making a hoop from two types of tubing, then decorating it with colorful tapes and taking it out for a test spin. Paper Kite Press Studio & Gallery, 443 Main St., Kingston. Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. $20 includes all supplies. Registration: 328-8658.

Scrapbooking Group. Learn new techniques and share ideas and work. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. 823-0156.

Arabic Food Festival, with grape leaves, hummus, beans and rice and other Arabic dishes along with jewelry and art vendors. St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, 905 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 824-5016.

Architectural Walking Tours, a one-hour walk through downtown Scranton to explore the history and architecture of the city’s most treasured buildings including the Masonic Temple, City Hall and the Lackawanna County Courthouse. Sponsored by the Lackawanna Historical Society. Meet at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. Saturdays through Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. $3. 344-3841.

Hot & Stinky Garlic and Herb Festival, the 12th annual event with a variety of spicy and garlicky foods and gift items, hot-pepper and garlic-eating contests, chili cookoff, live music by the Two of Us, garden tour, crafts and a Chinese auction. Zanolini’s Nursery and Country Shop, 603 St. John’s Road, Drums. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 788-3152.

Tobyhanna Excursion, a 50-mile round-trip train ride following Roaring Brook onto the Pocono Plateau. Includes a tour of a working ice house and a walk through the village during layover. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Saturday at 11 a.m. with an approximate return at 3 p.m. $31, $26, $20. 340-5200.

Junction Jam, with music, food, vendors and children’s activities. Proceeds benefit the Jeff Deprimo Foundation, the Pittston Library and the Pittston Parks Department. Jefferson Park, Pittston. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. $10, free for children under age 12. 829-0213.

Wyoming Borough 125th Anniversary, with a parade along Wyoming Avenue, downtown sidewalk sales, a book sale and basket raffle at the Wyoming Free Library and a Blueberry Festival at the Wyoming United Methodist Church. Saturday with parade at 1 p.m. and festival noon to 2 p.m. 639-0291.

Tie Dye Saturday. Bring a clean white 100-percent cotton item and learn to tie dye. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m. Free. 823-0156.

Dancin’ a Lot, sponsored by the Spinners Youth Group with music by DJ Mama Bull Moose. Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 5880 Main Road, Sweet Valley. Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m. $1 or a non-perishable food donation for the Noxen Food Pantry. 477-5216.

Arts at Hayfield Summer Festival, with craft vendors, tours of the historic Hayfield House, Open House at the Friedman Observatory, demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodcarving, Polish paper-cutting, pottery, wheat weaving and jewelry making, children’s activities, food vendors and entertainment by the Donegal Weavers, Teddy Young and the Aces, Tribal Waves, Just Us, belly dancer Carrey Mudlock and magician Pat Ward. Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman Township. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 675-9232 or artsathayfield.org.

Forty Fort Meeting House Tours. Guided tours of the historic 1807 church with boxed pews, elevated pulpit and hand-carved columns. 80 W. River St., Forty Fort. Sundays through Sept. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. $2, $1 children. 287-5214.

Denison House Tours. Guided tours of the 1790 historic home of Colonial settler Nathan Denison, led by costumed docents. 35 Denison St., Forty Fort. Sundays through Sept. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. $4, $2 children. 288-5531.

Helping Hands Car Cruise, to benefit Army Captain T.J. Hromisin. Muscle cars, antiques, trucks and motorcycles welcome. With entertainment, food, 50/50 drawing and raffle. Polish American Veterans Club, 2 S. Oak St., Plains. Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. $5 per vehicle. 822-2880.

The Great Allentown Fair, the 158-year-old event celebrating the achievements of farmers, gardeners and homemakers. With amusement rides, games, international cuisine, grandstand concerts, carnival midway, stunt and thrill shows. Fairgrounds, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown. Tuesday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Wednesday through Sunday (Sept. 5), 1 to 11 p.m.; Sept. 6, 1 to 10 p.m. $6. 610-433-7541.

Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair, the 25th anniversary edition of the agricultural event with amusement rides, live music (including country artist Jo Dee Messina), displays and children’s activities. Fairgrounds, Route 6, Meshoppen. Begins Wednesday and continues through Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. 836-9992.

Sullivan County Fair, the 159th annual event with carnival rides, tractor and truck pulls, livestock shows, demolition derby and stunt shows. Sullivan County Fairgrounds, Route 154, Forksville. Wednesday, 2 to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sept. 5, noon to 10 p.m.; Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 924-3205.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by Flashback. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

FUTURE

Health and Fitness Festival, two days of athletic events, children’s activities and a health-and-fitness expo throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre and the River Common. Events include the Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania USAC State Championship Bike Races and Pennsylvania Senior State Championships, Candy’s Place 10-mile cycling race, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Half Marathon and 10K Run, the Wet Paint Main Street Mile, Rafting on the Susquehanna with Whitewater Challengers and the Jack Williams Tire Youth Race. Also: a Fitness Expo, Family Activity Center and concert stage on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 3, 5 to 9 p.m.; Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Complete schedule at wilkesbarreracing.com.

Railfest 2010, a celebration of passenger railroading past and present. With steam-train excursions (at 1 p.m. each day), “Casey Jones and the Great American Railroad,” presented by performer Ray Owens, vintage and modern locomotives and passenger cars, exhibitions by short-line and main-line railroads, living history, the Phoebe Snow, theater programs, live entertainment by the Ron Leas Big Band and the Vince Brust Dancers, guest speakers, model-railroad displays and more. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Sept. 4 and 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 340-5200.

Pocono Garlic Festival, the 16th annual event with 50 food and craft vendors offering everything from garlic vinegar and garlic ice cream to garlic-themed pottery and paintings along with three stages of entertainment, educational demonstrations and plenty of children’s activities. Performers include the Daisy Jug Band, Blue Emerald Band, Zydeco-a-Go-Go, the Juggernaut String Band, the Lost Ramblers, the Roamin’ Gabriels and a Frank Sinatra Tribute. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 61-64 Hollow Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Sept. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10. 421-7231 or shawneemt.com.

La Festa Italiana, the annual Labor Day weekend festival with 70 vendors of Italian food and two stages of live entertainment including Emil Stucchio and the Classics, Bobby Arvon, the Ron Leas Orchestra, Civic Dance Studio, Picture Perfect, Take Five, Mojomo, the University of Scranton Jazz Band, King Henry and the Original Showmen, the Ringgold Pops Orchestra, Marching Paci Band, the Poets and a Frank Sinatra Tribute by Chris DiMattio. Also: Sunday-night fireworks and classic commedia by the Piazza Players of Marywood University. Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. Sept. 4-5, noon to 11 p.m.; Sept. 6, noon to 9 p.m. Free. Information at lafestaitaliana.org.

Moscow Train Excursion, a 26-mile, two-hour round trip following Roaring Brook through the Nay Aug tunnel into the Pocono Mountains. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Sept. 4 and 5; Oct. 9, 16, 17, 24 and 30 at 1 p.m. $21, $19, $15. 340-5200.

St. Martha’s Festival, with homemade foods, games for all ages, theme baskets, flea market and entertainment by Covert Action (Saturday) and Burn’n Sky with Al White (Sunday). Chicken and ham dinners served on Sunday. St. Martha’s Church, 260 Bonnieville Road, Fairmont Springs. Sept. 4, 5 to 11 p.m.; Sept. 5, noon to 11 p.m. 864-3780.

Labor Day Fireworks, spectacular pyrotechnics set to music. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. Sept. 4 at 9:30 p.m. Free. 877-682-4791.

Reunion Car Show, sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All cars and trucks welcome. 344-2014.

Luzerne County Fair, the 48th annual agricultural event with S&S amusement rides, antique tractors, farmers market, horseshoe pitching tournament, Barnyard Olympics, tractor obstacle rodeo, 4-H Fun Horse Show, fireworks and a free kids activities tent. Entertainment by the Blues Brothers Band (Wednesday), Flaxy Morgan (Thursday), NOMaD (Friday), the Cadillacs, Doug Brewin’s Tribute to Alan Jackson and Elvis Presley tribute artist Ryan Pelton (Saturday), Meat Loaf Tribute Band and the Star Fires (Sunday). Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas. Sept. 8-9, 4 to 11 p.m.; Sept. 10, 4 to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. $8. 675-3247 or luzernecountyfair.com.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by Plus 3. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Civil War Round Table, with James A. Hessler, author of “Sickles at Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg.” Daddow-Isaacs American Legion, 730 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. 675-1783.

Felittese Italian Festival, with homemade Italian specialties including desserts, a parade from the Old Forge High School to the festival grounds (Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.), games of chance and entertainment by the Cadillacs (Friday), Gold Dust (Saturday) and the Poets (Sunday). On Sunday, a 10 a.m. Mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Church followed by the traditional procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Constantinople to the festival. Felittese Association, 146 Third St., Old Forge. Sept. 10-11, 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Sept. 12, noon to 10:30 p.m. 457-3499.

NEPA Antique and Classic Car Show and Auction, the first-of-its-kind event to benefit the Stephanie Jallen Paralympic Fund. With a car corral auction, craft show, food and beverages, door prizes and raffles. North East Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 860 N. Keyser Ave., Scranton. Sept. 11, with registration 8 a.m. to noon, judging 12:30 to 2 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m. 510-5336.

Blacksmithing Workshop, a hands-on lesson with a take-home creation. Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 pm. Includes a cookout lunch. Limited to 10 participants. 696-4500.

Endless Mountains Fiber Festival, with workshops and demonstrations, yarn dyeing, border-collie sheep herding, spinning, fiber arts and fiber animals. Harford Fairgrounds, Fair Hill Road in Harford. Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 942-6837 or pafiberfestival.com.

Funfest, the annual family festival in downtown Hazleton with free entertainment at four venues, a classic car show, huge craft show, health fair, karaoke contest, kids activities, Latin music celebration, pierogie-eating contest, Run for the Gold, Senior activities, Teen Street Party, Wing Fling, fireworks display and the Funfest Parade with giant helium balloons. Performers include the Quantico Marine Corps Band and the Poets. Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 455-1509 or funfestpa.org.

Apple Festival, a benefit for the Susquehanna County Literacy Program with food, fun, crafts, vendors and plenty of apples and chrysanthemums for sale. Village Green, Monument Square, Montrose. Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 465-2880.

Fall Festival, with picnic foods, Bountiful Baskets, Mum Stand, Caf� OLA, bingo, Pink Elephant, Book Nook, silent auction, children’s games, a Saturday pig roast and Sunday chicken barbecue, Irish dancers and Jake from Froggy 101. Our Lady of the Abingtons, 700 W. Main St., Dalton. Sept. 11, 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 12, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 563-1622.

Grandparents Day Celebration, the third annual event with a rummage and bake sale, basket raffle and various vender booths along with luncheon items and a Dog Show and Contest with local pet tricks and costumed animals. Scranton Health Care Center, 2933 McCarthy St., Scranton. Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 341-6676.

Family Day at the Scranton Iron Furnaces, a celebration of the site’s 170th anniversary with games and storytelling for children, traditional juggling, food, a book signing by local-history author Margo L. Azzarelli and a showing of the documentary “Rocky Glen Park.” Scranton Iron Furnaces, 159 Cedar Ave., Scranton. Sept. 12, 3 to 8 p.m. 963-4804.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by Stanky & the Coalminers. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Fall Frolic Autumn Equinox, a weekend event with camping, adult and children’s workshops, Kickoff Karate, Warrior Games, Whack-a-Knight, charity auction, harvest feast, vendors, evening bonfires with drumming, firespinning, equinox ritual and entertainment by Celtic band Norsewind, singer-songwriter Tiffany Apan, duo Taste Like More and world-beat percussionist Obi Kaye. Camp Netimus, 708 Raymondskill Road, Milford. Opens Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. and closes Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. Information at thefallfrolic.com.

TNA Wrestling Live! The superstars of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s TNA iMPACT on Spike-TV invade Wilkes-Barre for a night of action with AJ Styles (The Phenomenal), Olympic Gold medalist Kurt Angle, D’Angelo Dinero (The Pope), Jeff Hardy (The Charismatic Enigma), Jeff Jarrett (The Founder) and Madison Rayne. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. 800-745-3000.

Luzerne Fall Festival of Pumpkins, the annual street festival with crafters, pumpkin decorating, children’s games, petting zoo, pony rides, horse-and-buggy rides, a Saturday parade, silent auction, antique cars, food vendors and entertainment by Kartune (Saturday) and the Poets (Sunday). Main Street in downtown Luzerne. Sept. 18 and 19, noon to 6 p.m. Vendors welcome. 288-1004 or 287-4333.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Hi Lites Motor Club. Ranch Wagon, 244 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Sept. 18, 3 to 6 p.m. 477-2477.

Dallas Harvest Festival, the eighth annual event on Main Street in downtown Dallas. With a farmers market, food vendors, crafts, entertainment, Kiss the Pig Contest, Flower Box Competition and Good Gourd Contest. Sept. 19, 1 to 6 p.m. 675-1950.

Downtown Collegetown Party on the Square, the annual student-welcoming celebration with food, music, activities and networking for students at the five local colleges. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 22, 5 to 9 p.m.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by Farmer’s Daughter. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival, the 23rd annual celebration of Celtic culture with competitions in pipe bands, highland athletics, fiddling and haggis-eating along with the “Showing of the Tartan” Parade, Celtic crafts, border-collie demonstrations and continuous Celtic music. Downtown Bethlehem. Sept. 24 to 26. Free admission. 610-868-9599.

Fall Film Festival, 14 days of 15 screenings of foreign, independent and art films. Opens Sept. 24 with a gala night of hors d’oeuvres, wine, desserts and showings of “Mao’s Last Dancer” and “Get Low.” $50. Reservations: 996-1500. Continues through Oct. 7 at the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Film schedule at dietrichtheater.com.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Regional AACA Car Club. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 24, 6 to 9 p.m. 309-2367.

Camp for a Cure: Jam for Life, a camping and jam-session fund-raiser in support of breast-cancer awareness. With bluegrass, folk, rock and jam musicians and a covered-dish dinner. Held on a private six-acre property in Hunlock Creek. Sept. 24 to 26. $25 campers, $7 non-campers. Information at 905-0660.

Lancaster Summer Sojourn, a visit to the Cornwall Iron Furnace, a Pennsylvania Dutch Farm, the Ephrata Cloister and the Landis Valley Museum living-history farm. Leaves from the Anthracite Heritage Museum, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. Sept. 25 with a 7 a.m. departure and 9:15 p.m. return. $90 includes transportation, admissions and lunch. Dinner on your own. Reservations: 963-4804.

Bloomsburg Fair, the 156th annual agricultural fair with a carnival midway, amusement rides, free and ticketed entertainment stages, tours of the historic Barton House and Rupert One-Room Schoolhouse, “Pirates of the Caribbean” high-dive show, livestock, horse racing, tractor and truck pulls, demolition derby, freestyle motocross and figure-8 racing. Fairgrounds, Route 11, Bloomsburg. Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 784-4949 or bloomsburgfair2010.com.

Flaming Foliage Motorcycle Run, a 50-mile ride through the Endless Mountains followed by a roast-beef dinner and a Chinese auction. Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company, 18 Route 1007, Tunkhannock. Sept. 25 with registration at 9 a.m. and bike run at noon. 836-2355.

PRCA Rodeo and Chili Cook-off, an event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association with saddle and bareback bronc riding, calf roping, bull riding, team roping and cowgirls barrel racing along with live country music, line dancing, craft and food vendors. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 61-64 Hollow Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Sept. 25 and 26, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with rodeo at 2 p.m. $15. 421-7231 or shawneemt.com.

World War II Living History, with encampments of U.S., British and German WWII units, vehicles, memorabilia and battle re-enactments. Old Mill Village Museum, 5774 Route 11, New Milford. Sept. 25-26, noon to 5 p.m. 853-4158.

Colonial Harvest Festival, with demonstrations of 18th-century crafts including wheat weaving, cane carving, quilting, spinning, pottery and wooden-bowl carving and blacksmithing along with Colonial herbs and spices, dolls, cider, and free pumpkins for the children. Nathan Denison House, 35 Denison St., Forty Fort. Sept. 26, 1 to 5 p.m. $4, $2 children. 451-1551.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar on “The U.S.-Iran Relationship Dilemma” with Mehdi Khalaji, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Collegiate Hall at Redington Hall, University of Scranton. Sept. 29, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. First of five fall lectures sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 941-4089.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by John Stevens’ Doubleshot. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Commonwealth Medical College Gala, a fund-raiser to develop student-centered programs. With music by Which Doctor? Woodlands Inn and Resort, 1073 Route 315, Plains. Oct. 1, 6 p.m. to midnight. $150. 504-7000.

Airing of the Quilts, the 9th annual outdoor quilt show with quilts displayed throughout the town on fences, homes, storefronts, buildings and porches complemented by quilting lectures, exhibits, contests and sales. Downtown Tunkhannock and various downtown venues. Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 836-7575.

Airing of the Quilts, the annual outdoor quilt show with hundreds of quilts displayed along the streets of downtown Tunkhannock. With a quilt-block contest, indoor quilt exhibits at the Father Nallin Center and the Tunkhannock Area Middle School, a lecture by fabric designer Gail Kessler, a walking tour along Tioga Street, sewing-machine tent sale and more. Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 836-7575 or airingofthequilts.com.

Bark at the Park, the annual SPCA benefit walk with free t-shirts for the first 500 walkers, food, basket raffle, face painting and temporary tattoos for the children. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Oct. 2 with registration at 9 a.m. and Blessing of the Animals and walk at 11 a.m. 825-4111.

Charity Train Ride, from Duryea to Jim Thorpe pulled by the newly restored No. 425 Baldwin Steam Locomotive. Proceeds benefit the Greater Pittston YMCA, the Pittston Library and the Care and Concern Free Health Clinic. Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. $75. Reservations: 457-6558.

Flaming Foliage Festival, with handmade arts and crafts by members of Craftsmen of the Endless Mountains along with demonstrations, entertainment and festival food. All displays under cover. Forksville Fairgrounds, Route 154, Forksville. Oct. 2-3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 596-3148.

From Concept to Cloth, how fabric design is created from an original idea to a finished product with Gail Kessler of Andover Fabrics. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. $7. 996-1500.

Hillside Farms Fall Fest, with craft and food vendors, live farm animals and children’s activities. Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. Oct. 2 and 3, noon to 5 p.m. $10 per carload. 696-4500.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Hi Lites Motor Club. Bob Evans Restaurant, 920 Schechter Drive, Wilkes-Barre Township. Oct. 2, 2 to 5 p.m. 477-2477.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “America Engaged in the World: Cultural Diplomacy Still Works!” with Brent Glass, director of the National Museum of American History. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 4, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Second of five fall lectures sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 941-4089.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by Bare Knuckles. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Greek Food Festival, with authentic Greek food and pastries, Greek dancing, videos and music along with ethnic products including Greek T-shirts and aprons. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 E. Ross St., Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 7 to 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eat in or take out. 823-4805 or greekfoodfestival.webs.com.

Covered Bridge and Arts Festival, with 300 crafters, live entertainment, a Fun Auction, antique and classic-car show and bus tours of the area’s covered bridges. Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, Route 487, Elysburg. Oct. 8-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 784-8279.

Hot-Air Balloon Festival, with music, food vendors, carnival rides and balloon launches at dawn and dusk on Saturday. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 8, 4 to 9 p.m.; Oct. 9, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania State Showman’s Association and the United Way. 417-9961.

Fall Festival and Lumberjack Competition, with chainsaw carvers, juried arts and crafts, quilt show and sale, children’s area and art show. Sullivan County Fairgrounds, Route 154, Forksville. Oct. 9 and 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 482-4088.

Autumn Timber Festival, with lumberjack competitions, scenic chairlift rides, chainsaw sculptures, live music by the Cramer Brothers Band, children’s activities, sky-diving demonstrations, tethered-balloon rides, food and craft vendors. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 61-64 Hollow Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Oct. 9 and 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $15. 421-7231 or shawneemt.com.

Harvest Moon Festival, with ethnic foods, homemade desserts, crafts, music, games and fun. Holy Name of Mary Parish, South Main Street, Montrose. Oct. 9 and 10, noon to 9 p.m. 278-1504.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Hi Lites Motor Club. Pikes Creek Raceway Park, 2542 Route 118, Pikes Creek. Oct. 10, 2 to 5 p.m. 477-2477.

Fall Foliage Trip to the Finger Lakes, guided by naturalist Jane Frye. With visits to the Cornell University campus, the Johnson Museum of Art and the McGraw Chimes Tower along with a 1.5-mile walk to the base of Taughannock Falls and a sumptuous Tuscan buffet at the Banfi Restaurant. Leaves from the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Oct. 13, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $100. Registration: 996-1500.

Farmers Market with festival foods, artisans, gourmet items and a lunchtime concert by Bees Knees. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Indian Artifact Collectors Show with demonstrations of flint-knapping and atlatl throwing. Nescopeck Fire Hall, Route 93 and Zenith Road, Nescopeck. Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 759-1792.

Heller’s Apple Festival, an old-time country festival with apple pies, dumplings, kettle-cooked apple butter, cider and many varieties of fresh apples. Also: Men’s and Kids’ Crosscut Saw Competitions, butter churning, wheat weaving, pumpkin painting, corn husking bee, costume parade, Kids Feedbag Races, Ladies Frying Pan Toss and entertainment by the Covered Bridge Cloggers and the Mud Pond Boys. Heller Orchards, Route 239, Wapwallopen. Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 379-3953 or councilcup.com.

Barbershop Vocal Clinic, a free workshop for those who enjoy harmony singing. With barbershoppers 2nd Generation. Presented by the Endless Mountains Chorus at the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Saturdays from Oct. 16 to 30 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 836-8595.

Rib Fest and Car & Truck Show, the annual fundraiser for the United Way. With rib-cooking teams competing for the title of King of Ribs. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Plains. Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 823-7676.

Political Refugees in 18th-Century Northeastern Pennsylvania, a talk by author and historian Dr. Sheldon Spear who describes the influx of French and British refugees to the local area following the French Revolution. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Are We Any Safer? A Mid-Term Evaluation of the U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy” with Michael Greenberger of the Center for Health and Homeland Security at the University of Maryland. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 22, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Third of five fall lectures sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 941-4089.

Fall Foliage Train Excursion, a 50-mile round-trip train ride from Scranton to Tobyhanna following Roaring Brook onto the Pocono Plateau. Includes a tour of a working ice house and a stop in Gouldsboro. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Oct. 23, departing at 11 a.m. with an approximate return at 3 p.m. $31, $26, $20. 340-5200.

Jan Lewan Orchestra Reunion Dinner, with Jan “Lewan” Lewandowski and his original 14-piece orchestra. J.J. Ferrara Performing Arts Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Oct. 24 with dinner buffet and music by strolling accordionist Bill Kuklewicz at 4:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 6 p.m. $25, $10 concert only. 851-3329.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “China Today: What We Need to Know” with Goodwin Cooke, professor of International Studies at the University of Rochester. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 27, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 941-4089.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Regional AACA Car Club. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 29, 6 to 9 p.m. 309-2367.

Tasting the Big Apple, a trip to New York City with your choice of various guided tours followed by dinner at Carmine’s on Broadway. Leaves from the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Nov. 3 at 8 a.m. with a 10 p.m. return. $130. Preceded by a screening of the film “Moonstruck” with Cher and Nicholas Cage (which is set in New York City) where trip participants can meet the tour guides. Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. Reservations: 996-1500.

Conscious Capitalism and the Future of Business, a talk by Blake Mycoskie, the founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, Inc. who donates a pair of shoes to a needy child around the world with every pair sold. Sponsored by Wilkes University’s Outstanding Leaders Forum at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. $10. 826-1100.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Afghanistan on the Ground: A Woman’s View” with Suraya Pakzad, director of the Voice of Women Organization. DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., University of Scranton. Nov. 16, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 941-4089.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the annual screening of the heartwarming holiday film with James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Dec. 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

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