This Weekend in The People’s Republic
Did you know that, thousands of years ago, the Celts celebrated their New Year’s on what is now the first of November? According to custom the day before this marked the end of bountiful fall and the beginning of dark winter: an event that dissolved the boundary between the spirit world and ours. In order to protect against rogue ghosts, Celts would build bonfires and dress in costumes made from animal skins. This important harvest-festival (and honoring-of-the-dead) evolved with the reigning power, from Romans to Christianity, eventually becoming All Hallow’s Eve—Halloween.
This October 31, there are events ranging from the traditional spooks, to “old school” harvest-type shindigs. Get thee outside to enjoy some daytime fun before the jack-o-lanterns light and the trick-or-treating begins. After the jump lies a cornucopia of right and relevant culture, ripe for the picking.
Friday, October 30 2009
Opening Reception of Deladier Almeida, Rene Martucci and James Chaffee [ART]
John Natsoulas Center for the Arts
521 1st St
7-10pm
A pleasant, cultured evening before the ghosts, ghouls and sugar-induced hyperactivity appears? Sounds nice. Join the Natsoulas Art Gallery in its opening reception for Deladier, Martucci and Chaffee, which will be on display until November 28.
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Saturday, October 31 2009
Fall Festival [FAMILY ]
Central Park
8am-1pm
FREE
What a way to start Halloween! With everything from scarecrow contests and pie-by-the-slice to face-painting, crafts and baby pigs there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
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Central Park Gardens Open House [GARDEN]
Central Park Gardens (on the western face of Central Park)
9am-12pm
FREE
If you’d like to take a break from the bustle of the Farmer’s Market, take a peek at the quieter Central Gardens, where the third annual open house will be taking place. Along with a calm stroll in the fall gardens, you can receive eco-friendly gardening information (via Yolo County Master Gardeners and Project Compost). The first plant sale will also be taking place, with wildflower seeds as well as vegetable, grass and flower starts for $2 a pop!
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FARM Davis Workday [GIVE + GARDEN]
808 K st
1-3pm
FREE
Continuing with the harvest-theme, the first work-day of Davis’ chapter of FARM (The Future Action Reclamation Mob) will occur today! Their mission statement: “FARM is an alternative form of non-violent protest, reclaiming public space to build community, providing services for underserved and transient populations and/or rehabilitating toxic land.” Bring something to share for lunch, learn more about their cause and lend a hand. Enthusiasm (but no farming experience!) required.
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The Day of the Dead-ly Davis Derby [BIKES + PARTY]
Bike Forth! (NW corner of 4th and L st)
Register 3:30pm, Ride 4pm
$2-5 donation to The Bike Collective
Get some friends (groups of 3-6 people total) and join the fifth Davis Deadly Derby! This scavenger hunt on wheels will lead you all around Davis on a series of tasks and quests. Bring your wits, a costume/disguise and (of course) your bike!
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Sunday, November 1 2009
**Daylight Savings Ends**
Dia De Los Muertos [CULTURE]
Sigma Pi Alpha (sorority)
Ballroom B, ARC, UC Davis campus
6:30-9pm
The Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is yet another holiday with a connection to the spirit world. In the tradition of this holiday, people have made ofrendas (altars of memories and food offerings to the deceased). There will be guest speakers and other activities. Learn more about this holiday, both similar to Halloween, yet very distinct!
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