Author to present spooky readings

PARIS — Local author Henry Hamilton will be featured at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s second annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular on Oct. 24 and 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

In addition to seeing hundreds of carved pumpkins lining the garden paths, visitors will have a chance to hear readings from Hamilton’s book “Night Full Frightful: A Collection of Spooky Rhymes,” and see original illustrations by Maine artist Patricia Chandler. Copies of the book will be available for sale.

The readings will take place at 6:30 and 7:30 in the barn at 97 Main St. Hamilton will remind younger listeners that spooks, creeps and monsters reside only in the imagination but that it’s fun to play with images of them in our minds.

The book is most suitable for 8- through 14-year-olds, although many adults have enjoyed it as much as the children have.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. This includes free hot cider and popcorn. Anyone who would like to donate a jack-o-lantern to the event by Oct. 23 will receive a ticket.

Hartford Fall/Christmas Fair is Oct. 25

HARTFORD — The annual Hartford Fall/Christmas Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Hartford Town Hall on Route 140.

There will be many crafters with excellent wares, lunches for sale, lots of fudge and homemade pies.

Sponsored by the Hartford Community Church Women’s Association. For more information, call Arlene at 224-7355.

Christmas Stamp-A-Stack event

PARIS — The annual Christmas Stamp-A-Stack event will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St.

Make 18 Christmas cards while you help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Unit at the Veterans’ Home.

Class fee is $25. Fee includes beverages, snacks and all materials.

Register by Oct. 25.

For more information, contact Kathryn Pulsifer, Independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, at 890-6874 or kathrynpulsifer@myfairpoint.net.

Halloween fundraiser dance

LOCKE MILLS — A Halloween fundraiser dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Locke Mills Town Hall, upstairs.

Music will be provided by Shadagee Ramblers and Don Chase. There will be a 50/50, door prizes and a costume contest.

Admission is $7. Donations will be accepted for the Town Hall Building Fund.