Fall is one of my favorite seasons here at the shore. The weather is cool and crisp, the leaves start turning colors and there are many holiday events to enjoy with the family. Here are just a few:


1. 4-H Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 10, Saturday/Sunday, October 17-18, Saturday/Sunday, October 24-25 at 11 a.m. at Lehner Farm & Nurseries, CMCH.
A brand new addition to the 4-H line-up and a great fall fun adventure for the kids! The 4-H Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch will include the corn maze, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a pumpkin decorating station and refreshments. The corn maze will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and is a fundraiser sponsored by the 4-H Livestock Committee and the CMC Board of Agriculture. The fee is $5 per person for the maze and $20 for a family of 5 or more. There are additional fees for pumpkins, decorating and refreshments. For info visit www.cmc4h.com.

2. 15th Annual Apple Festival
Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m. (Rain date: Sunday, October 18) at John Wesley Gandy Farmstead, 26 Tyler Road (Route 616), Greenfield
The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township, NJ presents its 15th Annual Apple Fest on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival will feature demonstrations by traditional craft artisans, live music, food, children’s activities and an apple pie baking contest at 2 p.m. The festival will also include all things apples – caramel apples, fresh New Jersey apples, an apple bake shoppe, apple cider and fall produce. Special appearance by Johnny Appleseed! Free admission and free parking. For info visit www.uppertwphistory.org.


3. Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m. at Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House
The Cape May County Park & Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event will take place on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, games, candy, entertainment, animals, an inflatable obstacle course, a magic show and more. A Freeze Frame Costume Dance Contest will start at 11 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest. Registration for the contest begins at 10 a.m. A live animal show will start at 1 p.m. continuing on the hour and half hour. Be sure to visit the Zoo after the festivities! This event is free and open to the public; for info call (609) 465-5271 or visit www.cmcZoo.com.

4. Cape May County Library’s Pumpkin Hayride
Saturday, October 24 at 12:30 p.m. at Lower Cape Branch Library, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township
Adults and children alike are welcome to celebrate the best parts of autumn with a hayride through a local pumpkin patch. Meet at the Lower Library for a short presentation on pumpkins and other fall squash, then drive the short distance to Les Rae’s Farm at the beanery for a hay ride, after which patrons will be able to choose a pumpkin in the field to take home. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and all patrons must register beforehand. Event is FREE! For info call (609) 463-6386or visit www.cmclibrary.org.

5. Annual Island Pumpkin Fest
Sunday, October 25 at 10 a.m., Fox Park and Wildwoods Beach, Wildwood
The 3rd Annual Island Pumpkin Fest will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family fun event will feature great FREE entertainment, craft vendors and food. Take a hayride to the Great Pumpkin Patch behind the Wildwoods Convention Center. Cost is $7 for children and $3 parents. For info call (609) 374-6213.

6. 24th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Saturday October 17 from 10am to 4:30pm (Rain date: Sunday, October 18th), Cold Spring Village.
It’s the spookiest time of the year at the Village! Celebrate all things Halloween and autumn at the 24th Annual Pumpkin Festival. Pumpkin painting, games, Children’s Halloween Parade, haunted house and hayrides are just a few of the activities. A variety of crafters and food vendors will also be on site. Free event, call (609) 886-7880 for info.