FRYEBURG FAIR - MAINE'S BLUE RIBBON FAIR, THROUGH OCTOBER 7 Maine's oldest fair, the Fryeburg Fair got underway September 30. Offering everything from live musical entertainment, and midway games and rides, exhibits, livestock, harness racing, and so much more, this is the year to plan a day or two at the Fryeburg Fair. Each day is packed with a full range of competitions, special events, and entertainment. Highlights of the fair include the agricultural and livestock exhibits and competitions, the children's petting zoo and rides, and of course the wide array of fair-food. For a complete schedule of events and highlights, visit Fryeburg Fair. Of all the fairs taking place throughout New England, this is one must-see!

HOW THE LOCALS GET AROUND North Conway Village has completed a multi-million dollar beautification project that will preserve the beauty and appeal of this quaint New England town for decades. We hope you'll stop to walk around during your October getaway. During busy October weekends, traffic may slow down in the village. While Route 16/302 is still the most direct route through the Valley, many of the locals choose the New North-South Road, entering by Wal-Mart and exiting by Kearsarge Road, to the East and the West Side Road to the West of 16/302. Both these roads parallel Routes 16/302, with outlets back to 16/302 at various points along the way. If you're not familiar with these alternative routes, be sure to ask any business owner in Mt. Washington Valley for the best way around and for alternative parking areas in the Village.

ATTITASH ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS Attitash announced a plan for over $3 million in capital improvements for the 2007/08 winter season. The plan includes $2.5 million in snowmaking enhancements, a lift extension on the Abenaki lift, two new grooming machines and improvements to the Adventure Center Base Lodge. State of the art, energy efficient fan guns will be installed top to bottom on Illusion on Bear Peak as well as Moat, Spillway, Thad's Choice, Upper Highway, The Learning Center and the base area on Attitash. Over the summer, the Abenaki lift located on Bear Peak was extended and a mid-station unload has been added to make travel between Attitash and Bear Peak faster. Additionally new grooming equipment will include a specialized groomer, primarily used in terrain parks. This season Attitash plans to have park elements on opening day as well as new features offering a wider range of difficulty and excitement to their parks. Attitash plans to open mid to late November with the goal of having open terrain on both peaks as well as terrain park elements set up in the Fly Zone Terrain Park. There will be no closing date set as the resort plans to remain open as late into the season as conditions allow. For more information and up-to-date announcements about events and opening day, visit Attitash.

RETURN OF THE PUMPKIN PEOPLE They're heeeeerrrrrreee - those whimsical pumpkin people that arrive each October to delight visitors to Mt. Washington Valley. Each year businesses and homeowners throughout Jackson decorate pumpkins and create the unique Pumpkin People tour. These whimsical creatures can be found throughout the village of Jackson and surrounding areas. Pick up a tour map and take a self-guided driving tour. Maps are provided by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. The tour is free. Info: 603-383-9356 or Jackson NH.

SKI RESORT FUN There's plenty of outdoor and family fun in store at Mt. Washington Valley's ski resorts. The snow hasn't even begun to fly, but Attitash and Cranmore are gearing up to welcome October visitors for some fun events. Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Ride at Cranmore Mountain Friday and Saturday nights (and Sunday, Oct 7) throughout October, get into the Halloween spirit as you board the quad chairlift for a night-time ride to the summit for a haunted mountain-top tour. Ghoullog activities take place both indoors and outdoors at Cranmore Mountain. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and chairlift ride. Operations are weather dependent; call ahead to confirm hours. Two tours take place per night: 7 pm to 8:30 pm and 8:30 pm. to 10:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 per person with advance purchase; $22.00 at the door. While the brave of heart enjoy ghostly frights, kids ages 4 to 9 are invited to Cranmore's supervised children's party. The fun includes games, craft activities and non-scary movies and cartoons. Costumes are encouraged. Admission to the children's party is $5.00 per child. The party runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Info: 603-356-5543 or Cranmore.

10th ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST AT ATTITASH Columbus Day Weekend Now a Mt. Washington Valley tradition, this Bavarian fete will be held at Bear Peak Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7. Guests can anticipate long-standing contests such as the keg toss and stein holding competitions and Kinderplatz where children can enjoy a full schedule of activities including a bouncy house, pumpkin painting and relay races. New this year to heighten the experience, a 23' climbing wall and EuroBungy Trampoline, two of Attitash's summer attractions, will be available for guests. In addition to live entertainment, games and contests, Oktoberfest will feature a wide selection of hearty traditional German cuisine and the Oktoberfest Beer Garden. Iron Horse Bikes has also gotten in on this spirited event donating an Iron Horse Triumph 50 road bike to be raffled off. Raffle tickets will be available both days and the winner will be drawn Sunday afternoon. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. The event will be hosted at Bear Peak on Saturday from 12-6pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Admission is $10 for adults (21+) and $5 for ages 6-20. Guests wearing lederhosen and children 5 and under will be admitted free. Lodging packages are available mountainside to Bear Peak at The Attitash Grand Summit Hotel starting at $84. For reservations call (800) 223-7669 or visit Attitash.

ARTS COUNCIL OF TAMWORTH PRESENTS CHINESE DANCE PERFORMANCE: On Saturday, October 20, more than 30 children and teen performers of the Chinese Folk Dance Troupe will thrill the audience with the drama and beauty of Chinese cultural dances and drumming at the Barnstormers Theater in Tamworth. Performances start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 children and students up to 21 years old. For a complete schedule of the cultural and live theater and music performances from the Arts Council of Tamworth, visit Arts. For more information or to order tickets, call 603-323-8104.

SHOPPING TIPS Everyone's a bargain hunter and tax-free Mt. Washington Valley is filled with great deals on everything from apples to zebras. Come over Columbus Day weekend and you'll find even more great deals. Here are two shopping events that those in search of the perfect holiday gift won't want to miss: Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale at Settlers' Green - October 5-8, save even more on back-to-school and college apparel, gifts, house wares, at more than 50 brand name outlet stores including J. Crew, Banana Republic, Adidas, Nike, Reebok and more. Entertainment and special demonstrations. Info: 603-356-7031 or www.settlersgreen.com. Gibson Center Fair, October 6-7 - If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special this holiday season, don't miss the craft fair on the lawn of the Gibson Center in North Conway, right across from Schouler Park. Crafters from throughout the region will be on hand with handmade and distinctive gifts, specialty foods and more. This has always been a favorite for those looking for special gifts made locally. Time: 10am to 5pm daily.

We've been focusing in on B&Bs in Mt. Washington Valley, and this month, we'll take a look at some of the creative packages offered by Mt. Washington Valley's bed and breakfasts. As entrepreneurs and small business owners, innkeepers tend to be very creative with developing itineraries and special packages to draw guests to their properties. Visit MWVCC and click on the Harvest to Holidays Link to see a myriad of great packages from Mt. Washington Valley's B&Bs and other lodging properties throughout the Valley.

Get Ready for the Holidays Package Inns in the southern part of the Valley have joined together to create a wonderful package to usher in the holidays. This holiday season, plan to come for the 6th Annual "Get Ready for the Holidays", November 16-18. Begin on Saturday morning with with a full breakfast, followed by cooking demonstrations at the Riverbend Inn in Chocorua. There's plenty of time in the afternoon to get a head start at the tax-free outlets and boutiques in North Conway (great money-saving coupons will be provided). Finish off the evening with a four-course dinner at the Inn at Crystal Lake, including wines of different vintages for each course, chosen by the innkeepers to perfectly complement the meal. Sunday, start the day with another hearty breakfast, then take home a wreath created by a local nursery to decorate for the holidays season. The package price is $349 per couple including two nights lodging at your choice of participating properties, daily breakfast each morning, four-course wine dinner (including wines and dinner gratuity) and a wreath to take home. For more details on this annual event, please call or visit websites of two of the participating inns: Inn at Crystal Lake, Inn at Crystal Lake or 800-343-7336 or the Riverbend Inn, or 800-628-6944.