Events

THIS WEEK: SEPT. 4 to 10, 2009

Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair, with amusement rides, carnival midway, Hanson’s Spectacular Circus Thrills Show, strolling acts, daily entertainment stage, free hayrides, rodeos and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, truck and tractor pulls, lawnmower races and demolition derby. Fairgrounds, Route 6, Meshoppen. Today through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. $7 advance, $10 at the gate. 836-7287.

Labor Day Weekend Carnival, with amusement rides, food vendors and games. Wachovia Arena parking lot, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Tonight at 6; Saturday through Labor Day, beginning at 2 p.m. Information at sandsamusementspa.com.

Back Mountain Farmers Market, with seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, plants, gardening tips by Penn State Master Gardeners, homemade soups, gourmet salads and more. Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas. Saturdays through Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 675-1182.

Rail Fest, a 1940s-themed celebration with Union Pacific “Big Boy” locomotive tours, railway post-office presentations, steam-powered rail excursions to Moscow, trolley rides, behind-the-scenes tours, big-band performances, rail photography and art exhibits, model-train displays and old-time radio comedy sketches by the Dietrich Theater Radio Players. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

Pocono Garlic Festival. Indulge in aromatic foods liberally laced with Pocono-grown garlic along with two stages of entertainment, children’s activities, strolling acts, education tent, cooking demonstrations, dance performances, animal presentations by the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and lectures on garlic. Performers include Pearls Before Swine, the Juggernaut String Band, the Lost Ramblers, Zydeco-a-Go-Go, Burning Bridget Cleary and the Blue Emerald Band. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 61 Hollow Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $7.50 advance, $10 at the gate. 421-7231 or shawneemt.com.

Salt Springs Celebration, the 7th annual event with music, old-time games, races, crafts, treats and a silent auction. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, off Route 29, Franklin Forks. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 967-7275.

The Historic Swetland Homestead, tours of the 19th-century structure including the 1803 home of Belding and Sally Swetland, William Swetland’s office circa 1835 and archaeological finds from a recent excavation of the ice house. 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. through Sept. 27. $4, $2 children. 822-1727 or 693-2740.

La Festa Italiana, the annual end-of-summer Italian festival with an array of food, an Italian Mass, music, culture and fireworks. Performers include the Duprees, the Ringold Pops, King Henry & the Original Showmen, the Paramounts, Strolling Paci Band, the United Sports Academy of Gymnastics, the Ballet Theatre of Scranton, a Frank Sinatra Tribute with Chris DiMattio, the Poets, Los Vega and the Italian Continentals. Courthouse Square, Scranton. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. 344-6798.

Train Excursion, a two-hour round trip from Scranton to Moscow along the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Pocono Mainline pulled by a steam-powered locomotive built in 1917. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Saturday with a 1 p.m. departure and an approximate return at 3 p.m. $21, $19 seniors, $15 children. 340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

St. Mary’s Homecoming Picnic, with ethnic foods, Chinese auction, games and prizes, a Saturday polka Mass and entertainment by John Stevens & Doubleshot (Saturday) and Joe Stanky and the Cadets (Sunday). St. Mary’s Church picnic grounds, 150 Main St., Mocanaqua. Saturday, 4 to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. 542-4157.

St. Martha’s Festival, with homemade ethnic and American food, Chinese auction, games for all ages, flea market, Sunday ham and chicken dinners and entertainment by the Tim Johnson Band (Saturday) and Burn’n Sky with Al White (Sunday). St. Martha’s Church, Bonnieville Road, Fairmount Springs. Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. 864-3780.

Reunion of Old Friends Car Show. All vehicles welcome. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers. 842-2736.

Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, the second annual event sponsored by the Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Company. With a chicken barbecue, flea market and music. Hunlock Township Ball Field, located behind the Hunlock Creek Elementary School, Hunlock Creek Road, Muhlenburg. Sunday with registration at 9 a.m. ($10). 256-7616.

Charity Steam Train Ride, a scenic ride from Duryea to Jim Thorpe aboard the newly remodeled Engine 425 with a 3.5-hour layover to shop and dine. Leaves from Mr. Z’s parking lot in Duryea Sunday at 9 a.m. $75 benefits the Greater Pittston YMCA, the Pittston Memorial Library and the Care & Concern Free Health Clinic. Reservations: 457-6558.

Avondale Mine Disaster Commemoration, a memorial program with speakers, reflection, the dedication of refurbished gravestones and the unveiling of a historical marker. Washburn Street Cemetery, Hyde Park, Scranton where 110 victims are buried, all of Welsh descent. Sponsored by the Washburn-Avondale Restoration Committee. Sunday at 10:30 a.m. 371-3522.

Avondale Mine Disaster Commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the coal-mining tragedy that took the lives of 110 men and boys. With a musical tribute by singer/instrumentalist Jay Smar and a talk by Robert P. Wolensky, author of “Tragedy at Avondale: The Causes, Consequences and Legacy of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Coal Industry’s Most Deadly Mining Disaster.” Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, off Keyser Avenue, Scranton. Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m. 963-4804.

Fire Company Pig Roast, with games of chance, raffles, an all-you-can-eat pig roast and live entertainment by Fender Bender, the Fabulous Jimmy Band, Flaxy Morgan and Nutz. Hughestown Hose Company, 30 Center St., Hughestown. Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m. $20. 654-4188.

Avondale Mine Disaster Commemoration, a tribute to the 110 victims of the mining disaster with memorial reflections and speakers. Avondale Disaster Site, Route 11, Plymouth Township. Followed by refreshments at the Plymouth Township Municipal Building. Sunday at 6:30 p.m. 371-3522.

AIDS activist Cleve Jones, a talk by the founder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and historical consultant to the 2008 film “Milk.” Theatre in Brooks, Keystone College, 1 College Green, off Route 6, La Plume. Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Related events include a screening of “Milk” starring Sean Penn Tuesday at 9 p.m. and an exhibit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday (Sept. 11), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 945-8170.

Luzerne County Fair, the annual agricultural event with Barnyard Olympics, Tractor Obstacle Rodeo, Dog Agility Demonstration, Donkey Basketball, 4-H Fun Horse Show, contests, amusement rides, bountiful harvests and closing-day fireworks. Musical performers include M-80, 3rd Degree, Sug’r Beat, the Star Fires, Joe Stanky & the Cadets, Bat out of Hell (a Meat Loaf tribute) and Ryan Pelton as Elvis Presley. Luzerne County Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Continues Sept. 11, 4 to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 675-3247.

Farmer’s Market, with locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, treats and a lunchtime concert by Somethin’ Else. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Civil War Roundtable, with guest speaker Susan Rosenvold on “Dispelling the Myths: Lt. General James Longstreet.” Daddow-Isaacs American Legion, 730 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Thursday at 7 p.m. 675-1783.
FUTURE

Strategic Leadership for the New Millennium, a free workshop open to the public geared for leaders in education, government, corporations and health care to help maximize financial and human resources in light of changing demographics in the community. Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Sept. 11, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: 674-6217 or nepdec.org.

9-11 Memorial Ride, the eighth annual Day of Remembrance to support firefighters, police and the troops fighting the war on terror. Memorial Park, Fourth Street, Williamsport. Sept. 11 with motorcycle registration 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., a Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. and a 37-mile ride at 6 p.m. Followed by a party at the Duboistown VFW with food and music by Almost Country. 244-6153.

Felittese Italian Festival, the annual event with a variety of Italian dishes and desserts, games of chance and entertainment by the Cadillacs (Friday), Gold Dust (Saturday) and the Poets (Sunday). Begins Sept. 11 with a parade at 6 p.m. from Old Forge High School to the festival grounds. On Sunday a 10 a.m. mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Church followed by a procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Constantinople to the festival site. Felittese Association, 146 Third St., Old Forge. Sept. 11-12, 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Sept. 13, noon to 10:30 p.m. 457-3499.

Dallas Days Dance, with music by southern-rock band Abilene & Friends and Just Us along with surprise guests. Checkerboard Inn, 385 Carverton Road, Trucksville. Sept. 11, 6 to 11 p.m. $25 includes food and beer. 675-1950.

University for a Day: Food for Thought, the second annual “nourishment for mind and heart” with four lectures, coffee hour and lunch. Topics include “Toni Morrison’s ‘A Mercy’: A Paradigm and a Cautionary Tale of Interdependence in a New World,” “Rosalind Franklin: Another Twist in the DNA Helix,” “The Best Way to Rob a Bank Is to Run It: White Collar Crime and the Global Financial Crisis” and “Globalization: For Better and Worse.” Presented by the Schemel Forum at the DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., University of Scranton. Sept. 12 from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. $25. Reservations: 941-7816.

Bonsai Society Open House, the 19th annual event with a bonsai-tree display by society members, bonsai demonstrations, bonsai sale, music and a competition. Midway Garden Center, 1865 Route 315, Pittston. Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 654-6194.

Endless Mountains Fiber Festival, the sixth annual event showcasing displays on raw and processed fibers, yarn, clothing, spinning and weaving supplies, Angora rabbits, fiber arts and crafts and sheepskin products along with demonstrations of border collie herding, spinning, sheep shearing, English wool combs and felting. Harford Fairgrounds, Exit 217 off I-81, Harford. Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3. 869-2692.

A Ride to Remember, a motorcycle ride to benefit Miles for Michael of the Luzerne Foundation, a charity aiding cancer patients. Polish American Citizens Club, 111 Elm St., Dupont. Sept. 12 with registration at 10 a.m. and a 40-mile scenic ride through the Pocono Mountains at noon. Followed by food and entertainment by the Dawgs. $10. 406-5127.

Luzerne Fall Festival, the annual community event with horse-and-buggy rides, a car cruise (Saturday), entertainment, food and craft vendors, parade, Chinese auction, petting zoo, face painting and more. Main Street in downtown Luzerne. Sept. 12-13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors welcome. 714-3626 or 287-4333.

Tour of West Pittston Homes. Explore the history and architecture of seven Garden Village residences. With historical displays and refreshments. Tickets available at the West Pittston Library, Exeter Avenue and Warren Street. Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. 883-0520.

Car Cruise-In, sponsored by the R.A.C.E. Club (Raising Awareness for Children Using Engines). All cars, trucks and bikes welcome. Food, music and drinks provided. Tony’s Pizza, between South Main Road and Route 309, Mountain Top. Sept. 12, noon to 3 p.m. following by a rolling half-hour cruise on the mountain. 474-6484.

East Coast Kaos, a benefit car and bike show for Trina Bender who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. With the Synister Stunt Team, mechanical bull, hip hop group In Da Street, musical group Faithful Aggression, 50/50 raffles, wings contest and more. Riverfront Sports Complex, 5 West Olive Plaza, Scranton. Sept. 13 with registration at 9 a.m. $25 per vehicle; $3 general admission. 499-0968.

Zen Meditation Sunday Gathering, with Rinzai Zen tradition, Zazen meditation instruction, walking meditation, tea and vegetarian snacks. Endless Mountains Zendo, 104 Hollow Road, Stillwater. Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration: 925-5077.

Rib Fest and Car Show, the annual competition for “King of the Ribs” along with a Car and Truck Show to benefit the United Way. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deadline for Rib Fest team entry: Aug. 1. 829-6711 or 823-7676.

First Ladies Wedding Tea, a display of wedding gowns from the First Ladies of Scranton along with readings about love and marriage and door prizes. Scranton Club, 404 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. $20. Benefits the Restoration Fund of the Scranton Club. Advance tickets only at 344-8671.

Board Game Night, an evening of playing board games provided by the Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 14, 5 to 8 p.m. 821-1959.

Villa Capri Cruisers Night. All vehicles welcome. Damon’s Grill, Routes 6 and 11, Clarks Summit. Sept. 16, 6 to 10 p.m. 842-2736.

Endangered Species, second in a four-part series of lectures on how the media can be relevant and essential in the Internet age. With Kitty Caparella, crime reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News. Henry Student Center, 84 West South St., Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Free. 408-5000.

Farmer’s Market, with locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, treats and a lunchtime concert by Mother Nature’s Sons. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 17, 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Late Summer Riverfront Stroll, a walk along the new riverfront project with Luzerne County engineer Jim Brozena. Meet at the Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. 821-1959.

Benefit for Holly Petro, three days of events to benefit the 24-year-old paralyzed victim of an auto accident. Begins Sept. 18 with an exhibit of national and international artists 5 to 8 p.m. along with a Celebrity Auction. Continues Sept. 19 with family art activities and a mural-painting session followed by a Motorcycle Run. Concerts are scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Bell Tower Jam with national recording artist Joseph Arthur along with local artists Cabinet, George Wesley, Plus 3, Fired from Rifles and Ronnie Williams. Arts YOUniverse, 47 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Information at thehollypetrofund.com or 793-0403.

Fall Film Festival, 14 days of 15 foreign, independent and art films. Opens Sept. 18 with a Gala Opening Night double feature at 6 p.m. with hors de’oeuvres, wine and desserts and screenings of “Coco Before Chanel” and “Into the Loop.” Continues through Oct. 1 at the Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Films include (500) Days of Summer, Away We Go, Cheri, Departures, Every Little Step, Food Inc., Gotta Dance, The Hurt Locker, Lemon Tree, O’Horten, Seraphine, Summer Hours and Whatever Works. 996-1500 or dietrichtheater.com.

Supermarket Bingo, sponsored by the Newport Township Women’s Activity Group. Corpus Christi Church Hall, Market Street, Glen Lyon. Sept. 20 with doors at noon and early-bird game at 1 p.m. $2. 474-1031.

Dallas Harvest Festival, the 7th annual event with contests, a Trains to Trails historical presentation, a 100th birthday celebration for the Wintersteen Carousel, farmers market, games for all ages, along with vendors and festival foods. Main Street, Dallas. Sept. 20, 1 to 6 p.m. 675-1950.

Fall Film Festival: John Hughes, free screenings of the late director’s films including “Sixteen Candles” (1974) on Sept. 23; “The Breakfast Club” (1985) on Sept. 30; “Pretty in Pink” (1986) on Oct. 14 and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) on Oct. 21. All shows at 6 p.m. Bring snacks and drinks. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 821-1959.

Farmer’s Market, with locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, treats and a lunchtime concert by Windfall. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 24, 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Luzerne County Courthouse 100th Birthday Celebration, with a rededication ceremony in the rotunda, speaker State Supreme Court Justice Max Baer, an audio-visual description of the courthouse construction by Luzerne County Historical Society Executive Director Tony Brooks, tours of the courthouse and a huge birthday cake. Luzerne County Courthouse, 200 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 25 beginning at 11 a.m. Followed by a gala dinner dance at 6 p.m. ($65). Other related events include a 5K Walk/Run winding through the River Common to Kirby Park and back. Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. $12, $15 after Sept. 18. Registration forms at luzernecountybar.org.

Pumpkin Festival Kickoff Weekend, with a Corn Maze and Children’s Playland. Rohrbach’s Farm Market, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa. Sept. 25-26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Evening activities continue with Flashlight Nights in the Corn Maze and a bonfire from 7 to 9:30 p.m. 356-7654.

Public Square Car Cruise, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region of the Antique Car Club of America. Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 25, 6 to 11 p.m. 208-4292.

Dawn of the Space Age, a new planetarium “sky show” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing by Apollo 11. McMunn Planetarium, Hoeffner Science and Technology Center, East Stroudsburg University. Sept. 25 at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations required. 422-3532 or on line at esu.edu/planetarium.

Bloomsburg Fair, the 155th annual event with agricultural and horticultural exhibits, carnival midway, free and grandstand concerts, tours of the historic Barton House and Rupert’s One-Room School House, horse racing, horse and pony pulling, tractor and truck pulls, demolition derby, freestyle motocross and figure 8 racing. Fairgrounds, Fort McClure Boulevard and Route 11, Bloomsburg. Sept. 26 to Oct. 3, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 784-4949 or bloomsburgfair.com.

Fall Harvest Festival Pow Wow, an intertribal gathering with Native American dancing, drumming, storytelling, food, crafts, beadwork, jewelry, blankets, entertainment by country singer Toni Faux and a competition men’s sneak-up challenge dance. Noxen Fire Company Grounds, Stull Road, Noxen. Sept. 26-27, 10 a.m. to dusk with Grand Entry in full regalia at noon. All drums welcome. Free admission. 639-1819.

PRCA Rodeo and Chili Cook-Off, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event with competitions in saddle and bareback bronc riding, bull riding, team and calf roping and bull dogging along with a women’s barrel race. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 61 Hollow Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Sept. 26-27, with gates at 11:30 a.m. and rodeo events at 2 p.m. $12 advance, $15 at the gate. 421-7231 or shawneemt.com.

Car Cruise-In, sponsored by the R.A.C.E. Club (Raising Awareness for Children Using Engines). All cars, trucks and bikes welcome. Food, music and drinks provided. Tony’s Pizza, between South Main Road and Route 309, Mountain Top. Sept. 26, noon to 3 p.m. following by a rolling half-hour cruise on the mountain. 474-6484.

Light the Night Walk, two laps around the park along with food, entertainment by DJ Jason Miller, moon bounce, arts and crafts tent, face painting, clowns and more. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. with walk at 6:30 p.m. 610-266-8513 or lightthenight.org/epa.

A Taste of White Haven, with wine tastings from Bartolai Winery in Pittston along with food samplings from nine local restaurants and music by Have Guitar Will Travel. St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Church and Allegheny streets, White Haven. Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. $15. 443-8723.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Hi-Lites Motor Club. With food, music and door prizes. All vehicles welcome. Veterans Administration Hospital, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 27, 1 to 4 p.m. 477-2477.

Awesome Auto Appreciation, a car cruise and vendor fair with music, refreshments, door prizes, raffles and People’s Choice Awards. Allied Services, 475 Morgan Highway, Scranton. Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. 348-1300.

Card and Bingo Party, sponsored by the Ladies of Charity. With cash prizes, a quilt raffle and door prizes. St. Aloysius Cafeteria, 143 W. Division St., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. 474-5192.

250 Years of Architecture, a presentation by Luzerne County Historical Society executive director Anthony T.P. Brooks on the aspirations and living conditions in Wilkes-Barre through its architecture. Sponsored by the Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society in Room 106, William G. McGowan School of Business, West Union and North River streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Free. 610-298-8417.

Give Art a Chance: The Holocaust Narrative Amplified, a Shemel Forum luncheon and seminar with Judith Shendar, deputy director and senior art curator of Yad Vashem in Israel. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library, University of Scranton. Sept. 30, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Reservations: 941-7816.

Farmer’s Market, with locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, treats and a lunchtime concert by Stanky & the Coalminers. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 1, 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Greek Food Festival, with Greek dancing, Greek videos and music along with Greek cuisine including baklava, pastitsio, spanakopita, dolmadakia, gyros and melomakarona. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 East Ross St., Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 1 to 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 823-4805.

Thursday Talks! A live broadcast with WNEP-TV exploring the latest fashion trends with tips and demonstrations. Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Ave., Scranton. Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. $5. 344-1111.

Apple and Cheese Festival, with a Fine Arts and Photography Show, live entertainment, a Children’s Area with a garden, live animals, pumpkin-decorating and a hay maze; a food court with apple dumplings, cheese and wine samplings; and demonstrations of woodcarving, glassblowing, blacksmithing, quilting and other crafts. Manley-Bohlayer Farm, East Canton Cross Road, Route 414, Canton. Oct. 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5, $2 teens. 673-7222.

Reasons for Quilting, a historical journey through political and personal events that have inspired generations of quilters with Edyta Sitar. Also: a collection of more than 50 quilts on display. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. $5. 996-1500.

Fall Foliage Train Excursion, a 26-mile round trip from Scranton to Moscow along the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Pocono Mainline pulled by a steam-powered locomotive built in 1917. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Oct. 3 and 24 with a 1 p.m. departure and an approximate return at 3 p.m. $21, $19 seniors, $15 children. 340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

Dinner of the Angels, the third annual fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Research in Luzerne County. With a Chinese auction, guest speakers, raffles and live music. Ramada Inn, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 3, 5 to 9 p.m. $40. Reservations: 825-3682 or 655-3938.

Israel/Palestine: A Tale of Two Truths, a Shemel Forum luncheon and seminar with David N. Myers, professor of Jewish History at UCLA. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 5, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Reservations: 941-7816.

Fall Foliage Train Excursion, a 50-mile round trip from Scranton through the Pocono Mountain woodlands to Tobyhanna, pulled by a steam-powered locomotive built in 1917. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Oct. 5, 11, 18 and 25 with a 1 p.m. departure and an approximate return at 3 p.m. $21, $19 seniors, $15 children. 340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

Monday Night Raw, with WWE superstars John Cena, the Legend Killer Randy Orton & the Legacy, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Carlito, Santino Marella, WWE Diva Kelly Kelly and many more. Wachovia Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Oct. 5 at 8:15 p.m. 970-7600.

Farmer’s Market, with locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, treats and a lunchtime concert by Don Shappelle. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 8, 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 208-4292.

Pumpkin Festival, with a Corn Maze, Children’s Playland, crafters, food vendors and live entertainment. Rohrbach’s Farm Market, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa. Oct. 9-10, 12, 16-17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also: Flashlight Nights in the Corn Maze from 7 to 9:30 p.m. 356-7654.

Covered Bridge Arts and Crafts Festival, with 300 crafters, 30 food vendors and live entertainment along with bus tours of the covered bridges of Columbia County. Also: A Fun Auction on Saturday and a Classic Auto Show on Sunday. Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, Route 487, Elysburg. Oct. 9 to 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 672-2572.

180th Anniversary of Yuengling Brewery: America’s Oldest Brewery, with samplings of seven Yuengling beers, a historical presentation by author Mark Noon on the history of the Yuengling Brewery, entertainment by folk singer Van Wagner, light snacks, finger foods and drinks. Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, off Keyser Avenue, Scranton. Oct. 9, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 963-4804.

Villa Capri Cruisers Dance, with music by the Poets, Frankie & the Corvettes and Flashback. St. Mary’s Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton. Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. 842-2736.

Fall Festival, with arts and crafts, a flea market, food vendors and live music. Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, Hunlock-Harveyville Road, Muhlenberg. Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 256-3403.

Fall Foliage Weekends, with arts and crafts, food vendors, free entertainment at four downtown venues, guided bicycle rides and seasonal specials at restaurants and shops. Downtown Jim Thorpe. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Oct. 10 to Oct. 25. 325-5810 or jimthorpe.org.

Fall Festival, with crafters, music, hayrides, moon walk, petting zoo, chili contest and more. Sponsored by the Newport Township Community Organization at Holy Child Picnic Grounds, Sheatown. Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rotary Harvest & Wine Festival, with offerings from more than a dozen Pennsylvania wineries, seasonal beer tastings along with locally produced baked goods, cheeses, chocolates, maple syrup, honey, art, apparel, jewelry and handicrafts. Sponsored by the Tunkhannock Rotary at Lazybrook Park, Route 6, east of Tunkhannock. Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $15 advance, $25 day of event. 836-1247.

Car Cruise-In, sponsored by the R.A.C.E. Club (Raising Awareness for Children Using Engines). All cars, trucks and bikes welcome. Food, music and drinks provided. Tony’s Pizza, between South Main Road and Route 309, Mountain Top. Oct. 10, noon to 3 p.m. following by a rolling half-hour cruise on the mountain. 474-6484.

Open House, at the Endless Mountains Zendo with Zen arts, silent auction, appetizers, and displays of Zen calligraphy scrolls, sumi brush paintings, pottery, weavings and other items. 104 Hollow Road, Stillwater. Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 925-5077.

Heritage Day, an outdoor festival with old-time demonstrations, music, live animals, kids’ crafts and more. Pavilion #3, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Oct. 11, noon to 5 p.m. 696-9105.

Promised Land: The Books That Shaped America, a Shemel Forum luncheon and seminar with Jay Parini, author and professor of English at Middlebury College. Collegiate Hall at Redington Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 13, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Reservations: 941-7816.

Daniel J. Flood, a talk on the former congressman by Dr. Sheldon Spear, author of “Daniel J. Flood: The Congressional Career of an Economic Savior and Cold War Nationalist.” Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

Timber and Balloon Festival, the IRONJACK Timber Team Lumberjack Show along with the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. With log rolling, pole climbing, axe and chainsaw competition, musical entertainment, pig races, food and craft vendors, chairlift rides, skydiving exhibitions, balloon glow and balloon launches. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, 61 Hollow Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Oct. 16, 4 to 9 p.m.; Oct. 17-18, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. $8 advance; $10 at the gate. 421-7231 or shawneemt.com.

Fall Foliage Train Excursion, a steam-powered train ride from Scranton to East Stroudsburg. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff Ave., Scranton. Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. with an expected return at 5:30 p.m. $51, $46 seniors, $30 children. Passengers may board at the Cresco Train Station at a reduced fare. 340-5200.

Car Cruise, sponsored by the Hi-Lites Motor Club. With food, music and door prizes. All vehicles welcome. Wegmans, 220 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Oct. 17, 3 to 6 p.m. 477-2477.

Afghanistan/Pakistan: As Seen from the Ground, a Shemel Forum luncheon and seminar with Trudy Rubin, world affairs correspondent at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 19, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Reservations: 941-7816.

Make a Revolution with Training Wheels, a talk by motivational speaker Michelle Cummings who is known for her exercises designed to break down interpersonal barriers, enhance communication skills and explore issues of diversity and trust. Theatre in Brooks, Keystone College, 1 College Green, off Route 6, La Plume. Oct. 22, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. 945-8170.

It’s All in the Game! A festive and spirited competition with teams of four playing board games including Pictionary, Family Feud and Celebrity to benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. Also: cocktails, food stations, raffles, music and an awards ceremony. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Plains. Oct. 22, 6 to 9 p.m. $40. Registration: 941-7984.

Endangered Species, third in a four-part series of lectures on how the media can be relevant and essential in the Internet age. With Ju-Don Marshall Roberts, former managing editor for washingtonpost.com and executive editor of beliefnet.com. DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., University of Scranton. Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. 941-7400.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish Film Festival, the second annual event with films, food, discussion and celebrities. Screenings at the Mellow Theater, 501 Vine St., the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., and the Albright Memorial Library, 500 Vine St., all in Scranton. Oct. 24, 7:15 to 11 p.m.; Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 961-2300 or nepajff.org.

Victorian Halloween Magic-Lantern Show, a combination of projected images, live drama and live music including ghosts, goblins, spooktacular stories including Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” bizarre comic pieces (“The Specter Pig”), ghoulish music-hall songs and a “Parade of Goblins” grand finale. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. $15, $9 children. 325-0249.

US Foreign Policy: Ten Months into the Obama Era, a Shemel Forum luncheon and seminar with Harvey Sicherman, president of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Oct. 26, noon to 1:30 p.m. $20. Reservations: 941-7816.

Rocky Horror Picture Show, the annual Halloween showing of the cult classic with a supporting cast acting out the scenes on stage in front of the projected film. With costume contests, drink specials and prize giveaways. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. $10. 420-2808.

An Evening with Elie Wiesel, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, author and Boston University professor who has worked on behalf of oppressed people for much of his adult life. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. $10. 826-1100.

The Lipizzaner Stallions return to the Wachovia Arena presenting spectacular leaps and maneuvers in a graceful equine ballet. 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Nov. 22 at 2 and 6 p.m. $31, $24. 970-7600 or wachoviaarena.com.

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, a screening of the Jim Henson Christmas movie about a poor otter family who risks everything for the chance to win the cash prize in a talent contest. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Dec. 4 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

Holiday Workshop, a morning of cookie decorating, holiday crafts, singing and creations by the Balloon Lady. For all ages. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the heartwarming classic Christmas film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Dec. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.