An Autumn Weekend: Fright Night, Pumpkin Patch, and State Scare

All the things you associate with autumn are yours this weekend.  A scary movie at a castle, a haunted factory tour, and a pumpkin patch can all be enjoyed locally.  Additionally, you can walk to fight blindness, dispose of your unwanted electronics, and hear a lecture on Jewish humor.  Read on for the details, and feel free to add other events of interest in the Comments section.

Where/When:  760 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove; Sunday at 2 p.m.

Why Go? Rabbi Telushkin, named one of the best 50 speakers in the United States, will be speaking on Jewish humor and signing his books at Temple Shalom.  Several of his books will be available for sale, such as A Code of Jewish Ethics: You Shall be Holy.  Open to the community. Refreshments will be served.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: , Bloomfield Ave & Lakeside Ave, Verona; Sunday at 11 a.m.

Why Go?  Uveitis is an inflammatory disease of the eye and the third leading cause of blindness worldwide.  Help eradicate this disease by participating in or donating to this scenic walk at Verona Park, starting at the Boathouse.

Pricing: $40 registration fee per person (waived if you raise $50+)

Where/When: , 22 Crestmont Rd, Verona; Friday at 7 p.m.

Why Go?  Be afraid – be very afraid!  Watch an outdoor showing of Monster House (PG) at the (haunted?) castle, courtesy of Essex County.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: Essex County Fleet Maintenance Garage, 99 W Bradford Ave, Cedar Grove; Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Why Go?  Essex County residents (with proof of residency) have the opportunity to rid themselves of unwanted computers, printers, old cell phones, VCR's, televisions, etc. that cannot be discarded with the regular trash. 

Pricing: Free  

Where/When: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange; Sunday  11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go?  Families will enjoy the fall celebration at the Zoo, complete with seasonal photo opportunities.  Kids get a free pumpkin while supplies last!

Pricing: Adults, $9 ; Children, $6 ; Seniors, $6 / Kids under 2, Free

Where/When: State Fair, 229 Main St, Belleville; Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7 p.m. to midnight

Why Go?  You are an employee at a haunted, genetically modified food processing factory, and about to meet your deranged co-workers.  Wait until you see what is being served for lunch!  Beware: Many of the new employees don't make it through the night shift!  Scariest indoor haunted attraction in the area.

Pricing: $30 For Rapid Processing Ticket (VIP), $18 for Adults, $15 for Children 12 and under