Pumpkin Run

Put on your running shoes for the second annual Bear Creek Pumpkin Run Saturday, Oct. 24, on Bear Creek Hiking Trail, Robbins.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. outside McDuffie Appliance and Plumbing Parts, 305 Branson Circle, Robbins, with 10k, 5k, and 1.5 mile runs beginning at 10:30 a.m.

For a registration form, visit www.townofrobbins.com.

Party On

"Polos and Pearls," a "party with a purpose," will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Pine Needles Resort Conference Center, in Southern Pines.

The event features a wide range of events including a silent auction, oyster roast, live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and beer, wine and whiskey tastings.

All proceeds will benefit programs, services, research and advocacy efforts for more than 4,800 individuals living with MS in eastern North Carolina.

Tickets are $50 per person.

For information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/PolosandPearls or call 1-800 FIGHT MS.

Adopt a Cat or Dog

The Animal Center of Moore County, located at 5235 U.S. 15-501, Carthage, celebrates Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month with a fall open house from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Tours will be given, refreshments will be served and door prizes awarded.

"Perhaps you will find your new best friend among the dogs and cats that are in residence," says a spokesman.

The $65 adoption fee, for dogs or cats, includes first shots, worming, microchip and spay/neuter.

Those who already own pets may bring them to receive one-year rabies shots for $5 each and/or a microchip for $10 each.

Boo at the Zoo

The N.C. Zoo invities visitors to celebrate the magic of Halloween with games, a costume contest, musical entertainment and mural painting.

This safe, daytime activity will be presented in the plaza areas of the zoo. Clowns and magicians will rove these areas entertaining visitors of all ages.

The N.C. Zoological Park is located off U.S. 220, Asheboro. For information, call (800) 488-0444 or visit www.nczoo.org.

Fall Festival Fun

The Village of Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department and Pinehurst Elementary PTA are co-sponsoring a fall festival from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 23).

The festivities include a cakewalk, hayrides, photo booth, bouncy house, face painting, bike rodeo, giant slide, obstacle course, dunk tank and games.

All festival games and rides will require a ticket; tickets will be five for $1. There will be food available for purchase provided by Jordan's Catering and Cold Stone Creamery.

All proceeds will fund PTA programs at Pinehurst Elementary School.

Strike Up the Bands!

The Union Pines Marching Vikings will host the annual Viking Classic Marching Band competition Saturday, Oct. 24, at Union Pines High School.

Eighteen bands are registered to compete, and the Marching Vikings will perform at exhibition at the end of the competition, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and ends around 10 p.m.

The UNC Pembroke Marching Band and Drumline is also scheduled to perform.

For information, visit the band's Web site, www.unionpinesband.org.

Brush Up Your Shakespeare

Get a little culture by attending a producation of William Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Sunrise Theater.

The production will be beamed live from the National Theatre in London.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, with special pricing for groups of 10 or more, and can be purchased from 12:30 to 2 p.m. that day at the box office.

The event is co-sponsored by the Sunrise Theater and the English-Speaking Union.

Women's Art at the Cabin

The Sandhills Woman's Exchange will hold a fundraiser featuring an art sale and silent auction from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

The fee is $5 at the door. The cabin is located at 15 Azalea Road, Pinehurst. For information, call (910) 295-4677.