By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – There is plenty of family-oriented fall fun to be had in the coolor weather for all three parishes this month.
The biggest seasonal event in St. John the Baptist Parish is Andouille Fest, which runs from Friday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 20. Parish officials expect to see a big jump in attendance because of the event’s hiatus immediately following Hurricane Isaac. Several other events fall under its umbrella, such as the Andouille Run and Junior Andouille Pageants on Sunday. Residents can find more information on www.andouillefestival.com or in the special Andouille Fest section inside today’s paper.
On Saturday, Nov. 2,  there will be a fundraiser basketball game at Regala Park Gymnasium to benefit care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan. The game will be an exciting face-off between St. John Sheriff’s Of  fice and Louisiana Army National Guard. Admission is $3 for ages 13 and older and $2 for children 12 and under. For more information, contact Sgt. Darek Jones at 504-667-9018. Also, Biddy Basketball registration will open on Oct. 28.
A 5K Run/Walk to benefit reasearch for amyotrophic lateral aclerosis, also known as Lou Gherig’s Disease, will take place in Highway 51 Park in LaPlace on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 7:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
The Lion’s Club of St. James Parish opened its annual Pumpkin Patch at the St. James Welcome Center earlier this month. Visitors to the Patch can walk a nature trail, go on a hay ride or experience a haunted house, among other fall favorites. The Patch will also host a petting zoo on Oct. 19 and a 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 27. A “Party with the Pumpkins” Trick or Treat event will take place on Oct. 29. The Patch will run until the month’s end. Visit www.stjamesla.com for more information about the Pumpkin Patch.
Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie will host its annual Arts and Crafts Festival on the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 26, on the plantation grounds, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a Veteran’s Day celebration in Gramercy Park on Sunday, Nov. 10.
In St. Charles Parish, the River Region Cham ber of Commerce will host a golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 18, at Cypress Lakes Country Club in Destrehan to benefit its Young Entreprenuer Academy program. Sponsorship opportunities, and tee times are available. Contact Chereie Sioneaux at 985-764-4738 for more information.
The St. Charles Parish Library’s Destrehan branch will put together an “entertaining and delicious” discussion of history and local flavors during its “Local History, Local Food” event on Monday, Oct. 21. The meeting will feature special two guests: cookbook author Joan Robbins and Susan Arcement, the founder of the Cajun Daughters website.
Victory Belle Court ney Boe will put on a performance for the River Region Arts and Humanities Council on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Ormond Plantation. Fans can purchase elite, second ring and third ring tickets by emailing sschaisson@aol.com or calling 504-453-8951. Dinner will also be served at the event.
Finally, Destrehan Plantation’s Fall Fes ti val will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9. For more information, visit www.destrehanplantation.org or call 985-764-9315.