The Great Valley Bookfest takes place today (Saturday, Oct. 11), at Orchard Valley near Bass Pro Shops.
The free event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It offers book lovers and families a day of author presentations, children’s activities and live entertainment..
The Bookfest features Author Alley, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and various performances.
There are close to 60 authors participating.
Gourmet food trucks will also be available.
For children, the event includes the Kids Energy Zone, where visitors can meet costumed characters, enjoy games and bounce houses, and take part in activities designed to spark a love of reading.
For a full schedule of authors and events, visit www.gvbookfest.org.
Today is also the free kids pumpkin carving and painting event — complete with bands and a disc jockey — to raise funds for St. Jude’s is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the patio of the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club in the 100 block of North Main St.
A dollar from every item (food or drink) purchased at either venue will go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Other upcoming events include:
*Manteca Recreation, in partnership with the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley, is staging the Halloween-themed Spooky Skate designed for the whole family on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. in the parking lot at the corner of Union Road and Atherton Drive. You are encouraged to bring your skates, skateboards, and scooters. There will be a costume contest, food trucks, vendors, music and entertainment.
*Music on Maple on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the 100 block of Maple Avenue in downtown Manteca. The theme of the year’s last Music on Maple is in recognition of Diwali, the celebrating of the rhythm of light. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, a beer and wine garden, games, and more.
*Manteca Assisted Living is conducting a Halloween theme trivia game in Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at 1130 Empire Ave. It will feature three rounds of five questions each along with raffles, small prizes, drinks and appetizers. RSVP by calling (209) 239-4531.
*Manteca Assisted Living is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1130 Empire Avenue off of Louise Avenue and east of Cottage Avenue.
*The free community trunk or treat takes place on Maple Avenue and Yosemite Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 25. From 10 a.m. to noon in conjunction with downtown businesses. There will be food trucks, vendors, a car show, disc jockey, mini pumpkin decorating, character meet and greets and, of course, trunk or treating
*The Monster March on Thursday, Oct. 30, takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Civic Center complex, 1001 W. Center Street in the recreation department’s courtyard. It is being staged as a safe trick or treating event.
*The citywide Halloween decorating contest for the outside of homes within Manteca’s city limits. The categories include scariest, most creative, best haunted house, classic Halloween, and judge’s choice. There is no charge to enter the contest. You must enter, though, by Oct. 22 online. For more information, call 209-456-8600 or email receration@manteca.gov.
List an event
If you have a Halloween or fall related event you’d like listed, email it to dwyatt@mantecabulletin with the words “Halloween Happenings” in the subject line.
