Fall Festivals, Parades: 5 Things To Do In New Jersey This Weekend

NEW JERSEY — Ready to get out and about on this autumn weekend in New Jersey? The weekend is full of things to do — including a popular Italian festival and parade, fall festivals (one has a Reba McEntire corn maze), a long-running rummage sale, and a day all about books- you just might be walking between the rain drops on the way there.

Meteorologists predict a dreary day around the Garden State on Saturday, with an approaching cold front knocking down temperatures and bringing showers, possibly with lightning and a few thunderstorms. As always, Patch recommends that you check with event organizers for the latest updates — but as of publication, all the events listed are still on.

Here are five things to check out this weekend in the Garden State:

100-year anniversary of New Jersey’s largest and oldest rummage sale

This event — a rumored favorite of Jackie Kennedy Onassis — is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The Atlantic Visiting Nurse Fall Rummage sale first took place in 1923, and has grown to attract thousands of bargain hunters, collectors and vintage lovers set over 2 acres. (Read more here on Patch).

• Far Hills Fairground, at the intersection of US Route 202 and Peapack Road, Far Hills, 07931
• Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m; Sunday, Oct. 8 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Free entry

16th Annual Stafford Township Fall Harvest and Wine Festival

Autumn is in full swing, and you can celebrate at two separate locations while sipping wine at Heritage Park or going full fall with hayrides, pumpkin picking, and other seasonal activities at Manahawkin Lake Park . There is a Halloween parade on Saturday, as well.

• Manahawkin Lake Park, Route 9 and Lakeshore Drive, Manahawkin 08050 and Stafford Township Heritage Park, West Bay Avenue, 08050.
• Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 12 to 5 p.m.
• Tickets required for sampling at the wine festival; spectators and non-samplers free.

10th Anniversary of the Morristown Festival of Books

More than 100 authors will be in Morristown to meet with readers and chat about all things literature. Saturday is Kids Fest, and the main festival has indoor and outdoor locations for author meet-and-greets/signings, and plenty to do for bookworms of all ages and interests.

• Downtown Morristown, Friday evening and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival center is in front of Vail Mansion (110 South Street, Morristown 07960)
• Free entry

32nd annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival

This event celebrating Italian heritage runs all weekend in Seaside Heights, with lots of entertainment scheduled each day. The parade is Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. on the Boulevard. There will be live entertainment from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. (Read more here)

• Seaside Heights, Friday-Sunday. The festival is set up along Grant Avenue, and the parade is Sunday at 1 p.m. on the Boulevard.
• Free entry

Fall Festival PLUS Weekend at VonThun's Farms

"Get lost with Reba" in a McEntire-themed corn maze (with country music, of course) and enjoy some fall fun this weekend and next, as VonThun Farms in Washington. Live music and additional food vendors are part of the Fall Festival Plus weekends, along with access to everything available the rest of the season: unlimited hayrides, access to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, and a cornucopia of autumn activities.

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
• 438 Route 57 West, Washington 07882
• Online tickets are required to guarantee entry. Kids are free "until they're 3."