Lots of ways to celebrate harvest time in South Louisiana.

This month, there's no excuse not to get out and have a good time. This time of year is a gem in South Louisiana and you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food, music and fun. 

NORTHSHORE

This weekend (Oct. 15-17), check out all the music and food at the Festival of the Lake. Groove to Marcia Ball among other local favorites.

From now until Nov. 14, Blue Jack Ridge in Poplarville, MS offers old-fashioned harvest fun--a western town, arrowhead dig, pony and wagon rides, a HUGE corn maze and more!

On Oct. 23, get your monster on at St. Tammany Parish Hospital's Monster Mash in Covington.

As always, we love the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival (Oct. 23 - 24).

Kick off your Halloween weekend with Pumpkins in the Park, Terra Bella Village (Oct. 30).

And, after you've had your fill of candy and recovered from Halloween, feed your mind and help feed the hungry by buying some books at the 321 Book Sale. Proceeds benefit the Covington Food Bank (Nov. 6-7). For information on this event, call Anne at (985)892-8620.

 GREATER NEW ORLEANS

This Sunday, Oct. 17, put on your walking shoes and join the crowd for the Fifth Annual Faubourg Marigny Walking Tour and Art Market. Get a fun history lesson from local docents and browse through local artists' wares. There's also a kid's area at Washington Park.

More festivals for your spirit and tummy: St. John the Baptist Parish in LaPlace serves up some yummies and fun at their annual Andouille Festival (Oct. 16-18).

Take your under-tweens to Park-a-Boo at Lafreniere Park in East Jeff for fun and safe Halloweening. (Oct. 22-24).

Also, Le Petit Theatre has extended its run of "Chicken Little" until Oct. 24. Don't miss this great adaption of a children's classic.