^[1]Our community calendar this week includes a variety of autumn activities, from the Downtown Davidson Halloween March on Friday to the Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill to to a Ghost Walk at Latta Plantation. Friday night’s high school football schedule this week brings a big matchup between Hough and Mallard Creek, who are battling for the I-Meck 4A title. Lake Norman Christian School hosts its annual Autumn Blast on Saturday in Davidson, and several local middle-schoolers have organized their annual Think Pink Dog Show on the Davidson Green Saturday as well. It’s Family Weekend at Davidson College, where events include the opening of the theater department’s production of “A Month in the Country,” free concerts by the Symphony and Chorale, and the Jazz Ensemble, and a Saturday football game vs. Butler. Read on for details about those events and more.

Our Town Cinemas in Davidson is showing “Argo,” “Paranormal Activity 4,” “Taken 2,” and “Hotel Transylvania.” See showtimes on the right side of this page.

MONDAY, OCT. 22

ReadDavidson presents Tony Abbott, 2 p.m., The Pines at Davidson, 400 Avinger Ln., Davidson – English Professor Emeritus and poet Tony Abbott shares his thoughts on “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett. The book is this year’s townwide read in the 2012 ReadDavidson program. Info: http://www.townofdavidson.org/ReadDavidson ^[2]

Tibetan Monks sand painting, Noon to 6 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union atrium – Tibetan Lamas of the Drepung Loseling Monastery will be demonstrating sand painting, a form of meditative art in which colored sand is painstakingly placed to create an image. Opening ceremony noon. The artists welcome visitors as they work Monday noon 6, Tuesday and Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 10-noon (closing ceremony 11am). Free. For more information call 704-894-2651 or email asowen@davidson.edu ^[3]. Info on the college website ^[4]

Women’s book ‘Bibliofest’, 6-9 p.m., Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte – Women’s National Book Association Charlotte Chapter hosts its annual “Bibliofeast” book and author dinner in celebration of National Reading Group Month. A “moveable feast” dinner with 10 authors. Tickets $45 members, $55 nonmembers. Info: http://wnba-charlotte.org ^[5]

TUESDAY, OCT. 23

Tibetan Monks sand painting, 10 am to 6 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union atrium – Tibetan Lamas of the Drepung Loseling Monastery will be demonstrating sand painting, a form of meditative art in which colored sand is painstakingly placed to create an image. The artists welcome visitors as they work Monday noon 6, Tuesday and Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 10-noon (closing ceremony 11am). Free. For more information call 704-894-2651 or email asowen@davidson.edu ^[3]. Info on the college website ^[4]

Davidson Town Board, 6 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson – Monthly Town Board work session. Agenda includes commissioner activity reports, continuing discussion of a 2013-17 Capital Improvement Program, and update on the town’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, and quarterly reports from town departments. Also, there’s a closed session listed on an unspecified topic. Agenda on the town website. ^[6]

Youth Orchestra meeting, 6 p.m., Bailey Middle School orchestra room, 11900 Bailey Road, Cornelius – Cornelius Youth Orchestras are holding auditions for the 2012 – 2013 concert season. Auditions and parent information sessions will be on Tuesdays, Oct. 9, 16, and 23, at 6 p.m. Youth musicians and parents also are welcome to attend the 6:30 p.m. rehearsal as a free trial. Contact Nanette Haraden to schedule an audition 704-576-7270. Info: http://www.corneliusyouthorchestras.com/ ^[7]

Batten public policy lecture at Davidson, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Chambers Building, Hance Auditorium (4th floor) – Paul-Henri Gurian ^[8], this year’s James K. Batten Professor of Public Policy at Davidson, lectures on “The 2012 Presidential Campaign: Voters, Candidates, States and Strategies.” Prof. Gurian is on leave from the University of Georgia, where he has taught political science for 26 years. Free. For more information call 704-894-2204 or email pagardner@davidson.edu ^[9].

Business After Hours, 5-7pm, Anchor Security & Locksmith, 20821A N. Main St, Cornelius – Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce/Business Resource Group business networking reception. Door Prizes, food. Info: www.mooresvillebrg.org” ^[10] or www.mooresvillenc.org ^[11]

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24

Tibetan Monks sand painting, 10 am to 6 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union atrium – Tibetan Lamas of the Drepung Loseling Monastery will be demonstrating sand painting, a form of meditative art in which colored sand is painstakingly placed to create an image. The artists welcome visitors as they work Monday noon 6, Tuesday and Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 10-noon (closing ceremony 11am). Free. For more information call 704-894-2651 or email asowen@davidson.edu ^[3]. Info on the college website ^[4]

Hough soccer vs. Mallard Creek, 6 p.m., W.A. Hough High School, Bailey Road, Cornelius – Hough boys’ soccer faces Mallard Creek in the final game of the regular season, on Senior Night.

Religion and Politics discussion, 6:30 p.m., Mt. Zion United Methodist Church 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius – The church’s senior pastor Mary John Dye will lead a four-week course Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 on “Mixing Politics and Religion: How Christian Values Affect Election Decisions.” Open to the public. A fellowship meal is available prior to the course at the church’s Family Life Center. For meal signups, visit the church website http://www.mtzionumc.net/bloom ^[12]

CAP fundraiser at Fox & Hound, 7 p.m., Fox & Hound, Birkdale Village, Huntersville – Join The Community Arts Project to enjoy beer, food & prizes in a benefit for the nonprofit arts group. Tickets $20, includes admission, 2 drinks and appetizers. Also, they’re auctioning one of a kind beer steins by local artists. For tickets call 704-896-8823.

Chidsey Leadership Lecture, 7 p.m., Davidson College Union, Smith 900 Room, Davidson – Public policy and communications expert Denis Calabrese gives the 2012 Chidsey Leadership Lecture on “Ten Rules for Changing the World.” Mr. Calabrese is a policy analyst and media spokesperson who has served as chief of staff for U.S. Congressional representatives. Free. For information call 704-894-2122 or email mareedy@davidson.edu. ^[13]

Live music at Flatiron Kitchen, 8-10pm, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, 215 South Main St., Davidson. Live music: Justin Chrissman. For more info visit flatirononmain.com ^[14].

THURSDAY, OCT. 25

Lake Norman Charter vendor fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lake Norman Charter Middle School gymnasium, 12435 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville – Lake Norman Charter School vendor fair. Get a head start on your holiday shopping or find something for yourself. Open to the public.

Tibetan Monks sand painting, 10 a.m. to noon, Davidson College Alvarez College Union atrium – Tibetan Lamas of the Drepung Loseling Monastery will be demonstrating sand painting, a form of meditative art in which colored sand is painstakingly placed to create an image. The artists welcome visitors as they work. Closing ceremony today at 11 a.m. Free. For more information call 704-894-2651 or email asowen@davidson.edu ^[3]. Info on the college website ^[4]

Story time at Main Street Books, 3 p.m., Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St., Davidson – Storytime for kids 5 and under. Continues every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. 704-82-6841.

Cornelius Historic Preservation Commission, 5:15 p.m., Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius – Historic Preservation Commission monthly meeting. Info: Cornelius.org ^[15]

MI-Connection board of directors, 6:30 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson – MI-Connection Communications System Board of Directors quarterly meeting.

European History lecture, 7 p.m., Davidson College Chambers Building, Hance Auditorium (4th floor) – Konrad H. Jarausch, Lurcy Professor of European Civilization at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Senior Fellow of the Zentrum für Zeithistorische Forschung in Potsdam, Germany, will present his idea under the title, “Taming Modernity: European Experiences in the 20th Century.” Free. For more information call 704-894-2284.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music with Billy Jones and The Pocket Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com ^[16].

FRIDAY, OCT 26

Focus Friday: Langtree at the Lake update, 8-9:30 a.m., Lake Norman Chamber, 19900 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius – The chamber’s monthly Focus Friday issues session examines the Langtree at the Lake development, off I-77 Exit 31. Steve Welly, President and Chief Operating Officer of RL West and Langtree Development, will give an overview of the project. For chamber members and guests. For more information, contact the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922. Sponsored by CorneliusNews.net and DavidsonNews.net

Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., night flashlight maze, 6 p.m., Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road), Huntersville – Amazing Maize Maze, a cornfield maze with an Election 2012 theme. Open Fridays to Sundays through Nov. 4. The Amazing Maize Maze is designed to be navigated in 1-2 hours. Water stations and maze assistance are available throughout. Tickets $10 per person for ages 13+; $7 per person for youth ages 5-12; and ages 4 and under are free. Tickets at the gate or in advance at www.ruralhill.net ^[17]. Open by appointment other days.

North Meck HS annual barbecue, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., North Mecklenburg High School, 11201 Old Statesville Road (NC !15), Huntersville – North Meck 34th Annual BBQ. Drive through 11-7, or dine in 4-7 p.m. Proceeds benefit N. Meck High School PTSA. Volunteers needed to help sell and process tickets, do publicity, and serve. Info: nmhsptsa@gmail.com ^[18] or nmhs-ptsa.cmswiki.wikispaces.net ^[19]

Musical Interludes at Davidson, 12:30 p.m., Davidson College Sloan Music Center, Tyler-Tallman Hall – Family Weekend Musical Interludes performance featuring student music scholarship recipients. Free. For more information call 704-894-2848.

Downtown Davidson Halloween parade, 5 p.m., Main Street in Davidson – 2012 annual Downtown Davidson Halloween March. Suit up in your favorite costume for a march down Main Street, where local shops and businesses will be handing out candy. Line up 4:45 p.m. at Town Hall, 216 S. Main. Read more: “Join the Halloween parade downtown on Fri., Oct. 26″ ^[20]

Benefit dinner for Serving Alto Cayma, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., home of Britta and Russell Crandall, 313 Woodland St., Davidson – Davidson College’s Dean Rusk Student Advisory Committee hosts a benefit dinner with all proceeds going to Serving Alto Cayma, an impoverished settlement in the outskirts of Arequipa, Peru. The organization helps residents there with education, healthcare, and nutrition. Recommended donation $5 for children and $10 for adults, at the door. Info: Mallika Kirti makirti@davidson.edu ^[21]

Uptown Charlotte Halloween Bar Crawl, 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Dixie’s Tavern, 301 E. 7th St., and other Charlotte bars & restaurants – 7th Annual Halloween Howler Costume Contest Bar Crawl. Check-in at Dixie’s Tavern from 6-7pm, then join hundreds of other costumed crawlers. Tickets $10 in advance available at halloweenbarcrawl.eventbrite.com ^[22]

Davidson field hockey vs. Radford, 6 p.m., Belk Turf Field, Davidson College – Davidson field hockey vs. Radford. See more on DavidsonWildcats.com ^[23].

Latta Plantation Ghost Walk, 7 p.m., Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville – Ghost Tales in the Dark: Tour Latta Planta plantation by candlelight and hear real ghost stories from staff, volunteers, and previous ghost hunts. Admission $12 non-members, $6 members. RSVP required at 704-875-2312. For ages 10 and over. Tour times: Friday, Oct. 19 (sold out); Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm. LattaPlantation.org ^[24]

Hough football vs. Mallard Creek, 7 p.m., Hough High School, 12420 Bailey Road, Cornelius – Hough football vs. Mallard Creek.

Theater: “A Month in the Country”, 8:15 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – Davidson’s Department of Theatre presents its first show of the season, Ivan Turgenev’s “A Month in the Country.” This Russian classic about the passions and manipulations on a country estate in the 1840s runs through Nov. 3. Performances Fri., Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturdays Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Call the Davidson College Ticket Office at 704-894-2135 or visit http://www.davidson.edu/tickets ^[25].

Family weekend symphony concert, 7 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Main St., Davidson – Family Weekend concert, including Vaughan Williams’s “Five Mystical Songs,” with the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. Free. Info: 704-894-2848.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music with TBA Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com ^[16].

Family weekend jazz concert, 10 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union, Smith 900 Room – Davidson College invites the public to an evening of big band standards and jazz improvisation by the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble. Admission is free. For more information call 704-894-2848.

SATURDAY, OCT. 27

Know Your Farms stand at Kenton Place, 8am-noon, Kenton Drive, near Bruster’s Ice Cream, Kenton Place, Cornelius – Know Your Farms operates a farm stand with produce from local farms. For more info visit http://knowyourfarms.com/ ^[26]. The market will begin winter hours Nov. 10, 10-2.

Davidson Farmer’s Market, 8am-noon, downtown Davidson, off Main Street next to Town Hall – The weekly Davidson Farmer’s Market. Local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. Runs every Saturday through October. Information: Visit www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org ^[27]. DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net are pleased to be media partners of the Davidson Farmer’s Market.

Shoe Zoo ribbon cutting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Shoe Zoo, 610 Jetton St. (Harris Teeter plaza), Davidson – The children’s shoe store holds its grand opening celebration, with a ribbon cutting, live animals, face painting, drawings for free merchandise including shoes and accessories, drinks and snacks. The shop opened in August. Read more in our Aug. 3, 2012, Biz Notes column. ^[28]

Carolina Renaissance Festival, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville – Carolina Renaissance Festival, continues Saturdays and Sundays, 10-5:30, through Nov. 18. The festival is a combination renaissance-themed fair and artisan marketplace, with food (we love those turkey legs!), drink, rides, games, craft demonstrations, jousting, and shops. Rain or shine. Info: RenFestInfo.org ^[29] or 877-896-5544 or 704-896-5544. Free parking. No pets.

Amazing Maize Maize at Rural Hill, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., night flashlight maze, 6 p.m., Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road), Huntersville – Amazing Maize Maze, a cornfield maze with an Election 2012 theme. Open Fridays to Sundays through Nov. 4. The Amazing Maize Maze is designed to be navigated in 1-2 hours. Water stations and maze assistance are available throughout. Tickets $10 per person for ages 13+; $7 per person for youth ages 5-12; and ages 4 and under are free. Tickets at the gate or in advance at www.ruralhill.net ^[17]. Open by appointment other days.

Lake Norman Christian School Autumn Blast, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Norman Christian School, 251 South St., Davidson – Lake Norman Christian School Autumn Blast, the school’s biggest annual fundraiser. With barbecue, live and silent auctions, inflatable slide and inflatable obstacle course, carnival games, live animals, music and entertainment, monster truck, race car appearances, face painting and more. $5 admission for all activities. Barbecue $8. lakenormanchristianschool.org ^[30]

Charlotte Turkish Fest, 11am-5pm, Oasis Shriners Auditorium, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte. Cultural family event with authentic Turkish food and coffee, Turkish music and folk dances, Bazaar, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, Turkish cooking class, and much more. Tickets are $3.00 at the door, $2:00 online, free for teachers with a valid ID. Kids: Age10 & under are free. For more info visit charlotteturks.org ^[31].

Davidson football vs. Butler, Noon, Richardson Stadium, Davidson College – Davidson football vs. Butler. More info: www.davidsonwildcats.com ^[32]

Think Pink Dog Show, 1:45-4:15pm, Davidson Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson – 4th Annual Think Pink Dog Show, benefiting the Susan G Komen foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Prizes for Best Trick, Like Puppy Like Owner (families in costumes with their pets),
Best in Show, and Best Dressed. Also, a performance by Queen City Youth Ballet. Info: thinkpinkonthegreen.webs.com ^[33] Trophies awarded at 4pm.
That’s an “iPug” with pink iPod from last year’s show – Lisa Brueggemann photo

Gravediggers Ball, 6 p.m. until ??, Dixie’s Tavern, 301 E. 7th St., Charlotte – Gravediggers Ball, featuring music by B.O.B. Info on the Dixie’s Tavern website ^[34] or 704-374-1700.

Halloween at Lake Norman Cottage, 7pm, Lake Norman Cottage, 200-A North Harbor Place, Davidson. Join an adult Halloween party, $30 per person includes a full menu, plus a bottle of wine per couple. Come out and enjoy live entertainment, games, and prizes! Call 704-237-3629 to RSVP.

Race the Reaper 5K, 7 p.m., Fisher Farm Park, Shearer Road, Davidson – Charlotte Sports Cycling and Davidson Parks and Recreation host the Race the Reaper 5K, a haunted running race. Registration 5:30 p.m., race begins after dark at 7 p.m. on the greenway trails and a small section of haunted woods. Headlamps required. Benefits Davidson Parks & Rec programs. Registration on the web racethereaper5k.squarespace.com ^[35]

Huntersville Brass in Concert, 7 p.m., Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion St., Cornelius – The church’s Cornelius Concert Series presents The Huntersville Brass, a quintet made up of Richard Spangler and Sam Waymouth on trumpets, Eric Knight on horn, Torrence Banks on trombone and Al Sudduth on Tuba. The program will be a variety of brass music, classical, Broadway, standards, jazz and Dixieland. Free, donations accepted. www.mtzionumc.net ^[36].

Theater: A Month in the Country, 8 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – Davidson’s Department of Theatre presents its first show of the season, Ivan Turgenev’s “A Month in the Country.” This Russian classic about the passions and manipulations on a country estate in the 1840s runs through Nov. 3. Performances Fri., Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturdays Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Call the Davidson College Ticket Office at 704-894-2135 or visit http://www.davidson.edu/tickets ^[25].

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music with Rick Spreitzer and the Antique Babies Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com ^[16].

SUNDAY, OCT 28

Carolina Renaissance Festival, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville – Carolina Renaissance Festival, continues Saturdays and Sundays, 10-5:30, through Nov. 18. The festival is a combination renaissance-themed fair and artisan marketplace, with food (we love those turkey legs!), drink, rides, games, craft demonstrations, jousting, and shops. Rain or shine. Info: RenFestInfo.org ^[29] or 877-896-5544 or 704-896-5544. Free parking. No pets.

Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road), Huntersville – Amazing Maize Maze, a cornfield maze with an Election 2012 theme. Open Fridays to Sundays through Nov. 4. The Amazing Maize Maze is designed to be navigated in 1-2 hours. Water stations and maze assistance are available throughout. Tickets $10 per person for ages 13+; $7 per person for youth ages 5-12; and ages 4 and under are free. Tickets at the gate or in advance at www.ruralhill.net ^[17]. Open by appointment other days.

Davidson Field Hockey vs. Liberty, 1 p.m., Belk Turf Field, Davidson College – Davidson field hockey vs. Liberty. See more on DavidsonWildcats.com ^[23].

Theater: A Month in the Country, 2 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – Davidson’s Department of Theatre presents its first show of the season, Ivan Turgenev’s “A Month in the Country.” This Russian classic about the passions and manipulations on a country estate in the 1840s runs through Nov. 3. Performances Fri., Oct. 26, 8 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturdays Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Call the Davidson College Ticket Office at 704-894-2135 or visit http://www.davidson.edu/tickets ^[25].

Molasses Creek at St. Alban’s, 3 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson – The band Molasses Creek performs in the Music at St. Alban’s Series. Tickets available at door or in advance. For tickets and more information visit musicatstalbans.net ^[37] or call 704-941-0650.

Improving Rural Guatemala, 5 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St., Davidson – Maria Pacheco, native Guatemalan, Fulbright Scholar and Aspen Fellow, will discuss “Transforming Cycles of Poverty into Cycles of Prosperity in Rural Guatemala.” Learn how providing a source of income for women of rural Guatemala is transforming lives and villages and helping people grow from dependency to empowered, self sustaining communities. Free. Childcare available by advanced request – 704-892-8277.

Ghost Stories at Beaver Dam – 5 p.m., Beaver Dam historic site, 19600 Davidson Concord Road, Davidson – Davidson Historical Society presents local storyteller and children’s book author Sauni Wood. She’ll help set the mood for All Hallows’ Eve with spooky tales. Stories appropriate for children grades K-5. Light refreshments will be provided. Free. DavidsonHistoricalSociety.org ^[38] or www.beaverdamdavidson.com ^[39]

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