By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Evans Towne Farmers Market

Every Thursday until 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.

Annual Greek Festival October 11 – 13. Come to our Big Fat Greek Festival! Enjoy live entertainment and music throughout the day. Treat your taste buds to authentic Greek food, wine and pastries. Tour the church, visit the Greek store and more! Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 953 Telfair Street, Augusta, Downtown. FREE Admission! Website: Augusta Greek Festival Website

Augusta Annual Hispanic Festival October 11 - 12, Experience the flair and vibrancy of the

Hispanic culture and enjoy a variety of authentic Hispanic

food. Augusta Common, 826 Reynolds Street, Augusta

Downtown. Website: Hispanic Festival Website.

Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruise Series

October 11 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music by Roger Envoldson. 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

Vineyard Wine Market 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

Tybee Island Pirate Festival October 10-13. Swashbucklers of all ages will converge on Tybee Island, Georgia, for the 9th Annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival. Featuring a Pirate Victory Parade, Live Entertainment, Costume Contests, Children’s Activities and the Thieves Market. For more information visit http://tybeepiratefest.com.

Weekend Events October 11, 2013

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

Augusta Ghost Trolley Haunted History Tours October 12 and November 1, "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

Walk with the Spirits October 12-13. “Walk with the Spirits” through historic Summerville Cemetery and learn about some of Augusta’s most prominent citizens. Join Historic Augusta, Inc. for this very special trip through Augusta’s past. Guided tours will begin every twenty minutes. During a 45 minute tour led by a spirit guide in period costume, participants will hear about the history of the cemetery and iconography of the headstones. The tour is not recommended for children under age 5. Reservations are recommended. Refreshments will be provided. Ticket: Adults $15.00, Children $10.00. Location: Summerville Cemetery, 2301 Cumming Road, Augusta. For more information visit the Historic Augusta Website.

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

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

Maize Season at Steeds Dairy Sep 21- Nov 13. At 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. October 12th: Flea on the Farm Craft Show! 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

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

Oktoberfest in Downtown Aiken October 12, 6:00 p.m. at Aiken Downtown. Live music from The Luke Cunningham Band, The Tarlatans, Eli Montgomery, raffle for two Guitars, beer stein races, Bavarian inspired foods commemorative steins. Ticket: $5.00 in advance. For more updated information, please visit the website www.downtownaiken.com.

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.

CoCo Wine & Culinary Festival October 13. Award-winning wines (more than

200) to sample, international beer, great tapas,

live jazz and a tranquil background view of the

Savannah River at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. www.csrawinefestival.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 and contests, musical entertainment and more. The funds raised go to prizes and awards for exhibit and competition participants and to charities in the CSRA. Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds. www.georgiacarolinastatefair.org.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

October 19-20, Excitement is in the air and on the ground...with lots of fun for the entire family! Gates open at 9:00 am and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. each day. Tickets: ACTIVE DUTY SERVICEMEMBERS, $10.00 at the gate both days of the show, 12 and under are free. Get your advanced tickets NOW so you don't have to wait in line...Visit the Boshears website www.boshears.com. Location: Boshears Skyfest, Daniel Field, 1775 Highland Avenue, Augusta GA.

BOSHEARS GROUND LOOP ROAD RACE October 19, What is the Ground Loop? It’s a 5K & 10K road race to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of the CSRA. This year the race course will be certified and chip timing will be implemented for our athletes. As always, we continue to offer our winners the coolest prize in town, their choice of a bi-plane or helicopter tour of Augusta at the Boshears Memorial Skyfest. All registered participants will receive FREE same day admission to the Skyfest and a race-tech t-shirt among other goodies. Moms & Dads are encouraged to run together and leave the kids to play in our FREE supervised kids zone, complete with inflatables and games. This is a true family event, and walkers, doggies, and baby joggers are welcome! Address: 1775 Highland Avenue, Augusta. www.bgcaugusta.org

Pawprints Foundation Presents - "Party Animals" October 19 at Taylor BMW, Evans GA...Come to enjoy an evening of fun and frivolity to benefit local animal rescue groups! Live and silent auctions, music, wonderful food and entertainment...and a room full of animal lovers! If you would like to be a sponsor, donate an item for the live or silent auction or food/beverage for the buffet, please visit http://www.pawprintsfoundation.org or call 706-863-2067. All dressed up and somewhere to go!

The Great Bull Run is Coming to Atlanta! This isn’t a charity 5k or a simulated bull run with people dressed in bull costumes chasing you down the street. This is the real deal, modeled after the famous San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, but without all the time and money required for a trip to Europe! Held at Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers on October 19, this race recreates the famous Running With the Bulls with real bovines chasing participants through the course. But there’s more to The Great Bull Run than just running with bulls! Join thousands of fellow thrill-seekers in this massive day-long festival featuring bands, games, food, beer and, of course, Tomato Royale, the post-race recreation of Spain’s La Tomatina festival. For more information, Prices or to Register, go to www.thegreatbullrun.com

Georgia Fun Things To Do… This weekend, take your pick of any number of things to see and do across the state. Kick back and relax, or kick up your heels to mark the beginning of the Fall in the South. For more information visit www.exploregeorgia.org.

By Liz Acevedo, 706th MI Group FRSA

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!