Fall Festivals and Scavenger Dash

I am extremely excited about this weekend. Not only is sweater weather finally here, but there are plenty of places for me to wear said sweaters.  

There are three family-friendly festivals to attend and just over the river, there’s Scavenger Dash. If you’re wondering where to go, what to do, and what on earth is Scavenger Dash, just read below to find out the best places to be this weekend.

An Evening with a Ghost

• Where/When: Gabreil Daveis Tavern, 4th and Floodgate Ave., Glendora; Friday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 
• What’s Going On: Halloween is just around the corner. For some, it is the only time of year they think of ghouls, goblins and ghosts. The truth is, many locals believe that the Gabreil Daveis Tavern is haunted. What better way to see if you’re right or simply attempt to have a supernatural experience than by doing some ghost-hunting of your own? This spooky night is meant for those 18 years old and older. Check out this link for a report from South Jersey Ghost Research regarding this property.
• Pricing: $50 per person

9th Annual Collingswood Book Festival

• Where/When: Downtown Collingswood-Haddon Ave., Collingswood; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• What’s Going On: This event is fun for everyone. There will be 200-plus exhibitors, storytelling, book sales, a children's area, performers and more! The festival is entirely volunteer run and spans about 6 blocks. There is even a hula-hoop contest lined-up for the kids at 2:30 p.m. To find out even more about this event, make sure to visit this link. 
• Pricing: Free to attend

4th Annual Stratford Fall Festival

• Where/When: Samuel S. Yellin Elementary School, 317 Warwick Rd., Stratford; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Each year, this event gets a little bit bigger and just a tiny bit more fun! Stop by this semi-local town and enjoy a craft show, classic car show, entertainment, games, food and fun attractions for the kids. This event is held outside, on Yellin school grounds. (I’ve been to this event in the past and they had hayrides, face-painters and inflatables for the kids. Everyone went home happy!)
• Pricing: Free to attend; attraction costs vary

Meet Rodderick Gregg at Macy's

• Where/When: Macy’s, Deptford Mall, 1750 Deptford
  Center Rd., Deptford; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• What’s Going On: If you want to be pampered, don’t miss this event. Celebrity make-up artist Rodderick Greg (who is listed around the ‘net as having done make-up on Sharon Stone, Beyonce, Serena Williams and more) will be available at Macy’s DIOR boutique for one-on-one consultations. This VIP experience will be filled with make-up and skin care tips, catered to you. There are a limited amount of time slots available, so call the store to book your appointment now.
• Pricing: Free consultation; cosmetics and skin-care products additional

Scavenger Dash Philadelphia

• Where/When: PYT Philly (at the Piazza at Schmidt's),
  1050 North Hancock St., Philadelphia; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. meeting, race starts at 12 p.m. (maximum completion time is four hours)
• What’s Going On: Are you a fan of the show Amazing Race? Ever think that you’d make a great contestant? Well, check out Scavenger Dash, a local way to pretend you’re on the Amazing Race. To participate, you and a partner (only two people per team) go on a Philadelphia adventure, searching for 12 clues and completing cool challenges. The winners of the race get a prize and there is even a prize for the team with the best costumes, so feel free to be creative. This scavenger hunt is meant for adults and registration is required.  
• Pricing: $130 per team (cash)

20th Annual Blackwood Pumpkin Festival

• Where/When: Downtown Blackwood - Blackwood Fire Hall,
  Rite-Aid, and , Blackwood; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• What’s Going On: The 20th Annual Pumpkin Festival is sponsored by the Mainstage Center for the Arts. Celebrate fall with hayrides, pumpkin-painting, games, crafters and free entertainment. There will also be an open house for the Blackwood Fire Co. Come solo or with the family to this
  great township event.
• Pricing: Free to attend; attraction costs vary

Wretches and Jabberers

• Where/When: , College Dr. & Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood; Monday, 6:30 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Camden County College hosts this free event. Stop by and screen the documentary Wretches and Jabberers. This film chronicles two men with autism traveling and educating the public on their disorder. A discussion will follow the screening. This event is sponsored by Parents of Autistic Children Together. Prof. Jennifer Hoheisel will guide the group conversation. Registration is required for this event.
• Pricing: Free