October is here – bring on fall! Ridgefield is such a fun place to live and/or visit during this season, with multiple opportunities to celebrate Halloween, Oktoberfest, and autumn in general. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to enjoy all the fall vibes in our neighborhood this month:

First things first: need some pumpkins to decorate with? The pumpkin patch is open! Jesse Lee United Methodist Church has supported the Navajo Nation through the sale of their pumpkins for over 30 years. The pumpkins are grown on a reservation in New Mexico, providing some 700 jobs for Navajo workers at fall harvest time. The pumpkins are delivered to Jesse Lee’s Main Street lawn in late September and members of the church, as well as other service organizations including local Scout troops, help load them into the “patch.” Such a wonderful community collaboration!

I’m proud to sponsor the Ridgefield Farmers Market, which is open for two more Saturdays this season: October 7th and 21st. Local farms, food trucks, makers and musicians assemble on the lawn at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church (the site of the original town green!) on our beautiful historic Main Street for a fun community event. Pack your picnic blanket and enjoy the shopping and eating with the best local vendors, a curated selection of some of the best growers and makers around. You’ll find farm fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items.

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Nod Hill Brewery on Saturday, October 7th! Enjoy a range of German-inspired beers poured by the liter, featuring Festbier, Old Homeplace, Giddyup, Dabulous, Diamant, Shazau, Altbier & more! Plus live Oktoberfest Müsik, Walrus Alley slinging bratwurst, pretzels & more, joined by other trucks from our excellent roster of rotating food vendors, and guest brewery pop-up visits.

For details please visit https://inridgefield.com/events/nod-hill-oktoberfest-2023/var/ri-3.l-L1/

Fall in Love with Ridgefield on Saturday, October 14th! A wonderful outdoor festival sponsored by Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, this annual fall event downtown is fun for the whole family.

I’m proud to sponsor the All Hallows Gala at Lounsbury House, a historic landmark since 1896, on Friday, October 27th. Drinks, dancing, delectable hors d’oeuvres, dramatic decor, live auction, costume contests, photo booth and more! All proceeds benefit Lounsbury House’s programs and history preservation.

The Halloween Walk on Saturday, October 28th is a beloved annual tradition that draws visitors from surrounding towns for trick-or-treating on our beloved downtown Main Street. Be sure to stop by the table outside our Compass office for a treat and to say hi!

Also on Saturday, October 28th will be the fabulous Ridgebury Riders Fall Festival at Ridgebury Farm & Stables, a wonderful organization which I’m proud to support. Come out to the farm for fall fun! Pumpkin picking, hay rides, and yard games galore – visit the farm for a day of fun for the whole family.

Experience the enchantment of fall and join in the festive spirit on Main Street with Ridgefield’s Scarecrow Decorating Contest, going on all month! This fun event welcomes families, organizations, and businesses to showcase their creativity and design captivating scarecrows. Embrace the colors of autumn, and let your imagination soar as you bring your scarecrow to life. Learn more here: https://inridgefield.com/events/ridgefields-annual-scarecrow-decorating-contest/ .

What a time to live in Ridgefield! We hope you find some time to get out and enjoy it. From our family to yours, happy Halloween!