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October in the Roanoke-Chowan area brings with it a time when the temperature and humidity becomes more pleasant and the sweet smell of the harvest season is upon us.

It’s also a time – a very short window of opportunity – to enjoy all that life in the “slow lane” has to offer prior to the arrival of the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays.

In other words, enjoy this time while you have the chance to do so. If not, then the next thing you will realize is that you are stuck inside your home with nothing to do other than complaining that it’s too cold and too wet outside.

There are numerous events on the local calendar over the course of the next couple of weeks, to include a pair of major festivals, a side-splitting comedy show, and a tribute to a natural jewel right here in our own backyard.

Two of those events will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Over in Aulander, the town will roll out the proverbial red carpet by hosting the 6^th annual Peanut Festival. There are a wide range of activities on the schedule between the hours of 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. to include music, cake walks, BINGO, a cornhole tournament, Punt-Pass-Kick Contest, train rides, food and craft vendors, and more!

Make plans to attend. The event will be held at the old Aulander High School gym and the adjacent ballfield located along Rice Avenue. Admission is free.

Saturday night (Oct. 12) promises loads of laughs at the Gallery Theatre, located on Main Street in downtown Ahoskie. There, the Gallery has lined up eight men to participate in a womanless beauty pageant, all competing for the coveted title of Miss Gallery Theatre. That event opens at 7 p.m. Get your tickets now at www.gallerytheatreahoskie.com or from a Gallery Theatre crew member.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, Merchants Millpond State Park in Gates County will host its annual Millpond Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Activities include a 5K run through the natural beauty of the historic millpond followed by numerous activities – pumpkin carving, bounce house, Big Canoe rides, sidewalk chalk contest, live animals, arts and

crafts, and educational games at the park’s Visitors Center. Admission is free.

And last, but certainly not least, join all the fun, food and entertainment planned for Fall Fling 19 on Oct. 19 in downtown Ahoskie. Main Street will be blocked off from Catherine Creek Road to the Town Hall where event patrons can enjoy children’s games, a car show, huge yard sale, vendors, food trucks, art show and sale, 5K run, battle of the bands, and a trio of top musical performers on the main stage at No Man Land’s Park.

Fall Fling 19 opens at 8 a.m. and lasts until 10:30 p.m. There is no admission charge.

We encourage everyone to enjoy these events.

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald