Bayside 33

The party is over, folks. There is a curious lull around town, a rainy Saturday afternoon "let's just watch movies on the couch" feeling, permeating Delmarva. The corn has been roughly sheared from the fields, the trees are either a tired green or starting their last red tango before their leaves drop, and I couldn't find one blooming big event to cover this week.
You know why? All the weekend warriors from points north have gone home. Sure, we rant about the traffic, we rail against the crowds, but, it seemed kinda lonely this week. I am starting to secretly think about Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I bet I am not the only one quietly gearing up for the holidays. Hence, the lull....we are all catching our breath from the 2005 "season".
So what is there to do? You can always start shopping, of course. One great place to do it is to go to the many church bazaars happening in the next month. There are too many to list; I suggest slowing down as you pass by the churches, because I have found everything from pints of chicken salad, oysters, and homemade pies being touted as well as the traditional holiday crafts. Watch for an upcoming column on places to shop from independent, one of a kind stores, places to shop and find gifts that you won't see anywhere else. This area thankfully still has alot of Mom and Pop stores that specialize in unique, if not handmade, gifts.
There are also some interesting art happenings coming up. Maybe you want to try your hand at painting a holiday gift....The Art League of Ocean City is sponsoring a two day pastel workshop on Nov. 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Jody Veader at (410)641-8789 to register.
If you would prefer to buy instead of try, The Fallfest of Fine Arts (say that fast, twice) will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6. Featured will be sculptors, painters, carvers, and other high art crafts.
Finally, the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an art show and auction on Friday, Nov. 4, at Occasionally Yours at Racetrack Road in Berlin. Cost is $25.00 per person, or $40.00 per couple, and includes beverages and an array of hors d"oeuvres from Carrabba's restaurant. Call the chamber at (410)641-5306 for more info.
Off the high-brow art to something a little more spookily fun. Remember I told you about my finding the historic town of Laurel, Delaware? Rumor has it that the BEST haunted house is happening there, including a haunted hayride to the house itself. OF COURSE, the house is set next to a graveyard...Boo! Did I mention it is the THIRTEENTH year it's been run by the Odd Fellows Charity Lodge # 27? Those brave enough to go should park on 10th St. at the Laurel Fire Dept. and hop on the haywagon that takes you there. The house will be receiving victims on October 27-28, between 7-11 p.m. I found a great website for more Halloween happenings, www.atlanticbreezes.com. (Just click on Halloween.) Me? I will be on the porch, handing out candies, in the time honored tradition of two for the kids, one for me. See you next week!