EVENTS: Expected Snow Puts Off Marching Band Competition

Halloween comes but once a year, but there's many different ways to celebrate it through this weekend — at activities for kids and adults throughout our area.

However, predicted snow and/or cold rain on Saturday has canceled — for now — the Ridge Marching Band Competition planned for Saturday afternoon and night, according to the school district website. Attempts will be made to reschedule the event, and later plans will be announced, the website says.

Patch will keep you updated on other cancellations due to weather. The National Weather Service is predicting a chance of snow before 8 a.m. here on Saturday, then rain and snow with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is predicted at 100 percent, with snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible, the Weather Service says.

The annual Safe Trick or Treat event is scheduled at around lunchtime on Saturday in downtown Basking Ridge. That event will go on rain, snow or shine, said Al LiCata, executive director of the Bernards Township Chamber of Commerce, which arranges the annual event.

The Bernards Township Recreation Department has many fun activities scheduled immediately following at 1 p.m. at the Oak Street School field on Henry Street. Events include pumpkin-rolling races, crafts and other ghoulish activities. The Bernards Township Library, around the corner on South Maple Ave., has Halloween activities in the afternoon as well, with Halloween crafts for all ages immediately following the Safe Trick or Treat event.

You can still check out the exhibit on Somerset Hills Hauntings on Sunday at the Brick Academy on West Oak Street, or head over to what promises to be the more elegant Great Pumpkin Ball in Morristown.

Or just dress your witchiest, and go listen to some live music at area restaurants.

For something really a little different, try attending a funeral for someone who's been dead for well over a hundred years — at Historic Speedwell Village in Morristown.

Where/When: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Basking Ridge center, with about three dozen participating businesses fanning out from South Finley Ave. The recreation department's pumpkin rolling contest and other activities follow at 1 p.m. at the off Henry Street.
Why Go: Because kids can enjoy a safe, well-lit environment for picking up treats while parents get to hob-nob and enjoy some other freebies offered at this annual event coordinated by the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce. Head over to the for additional Halloween activities afterward.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: From Twenty bands — some 1,400 musicians — in high school marching bands from around the state and New York, beginning at 2 p.m. and strutting their stuff until at least 9 p.m. on Saturday at Lee Field.
Why Go: For the pagentry, music and food, and to support YOUR local high school marching band.To learn how to create the wedding of your dreams.
Pricing: Adults, $10; Students: $6; Seniors: $6; Children under 5: free ;Music students with flyer: $5. Students will get a $5 value food & beverage voucher. Additional information can be found at on the Ridge Marching Band website.

When/Where: The exhibit by continues every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. during October at the Brick Academy, 15 W. Oak St., in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Besides learning more about the history of some local places, you may be intrigued to hear and see exhibits about some of the historic figures that still may be among us. Do you remember Phyllis, in search of her lost love? Or elegant but haunting Blairsden? You decide if you believe.
Price: Free

Basking Ridge Vocalist Brynn Stanley
Where/When: From 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday, in performance with a jazz quartet, at Rod's Steak and Seafood Grille in Madison.
Why Go: Because live music always is a treat, and you can offer a hand in applause for a local girl since Brynn is from Basking Ridge.
Cost: For information, call Rod's at 973-539-6666.

Brite Nites
When/Where: Wagner Farms Arboretum in Warren Township on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Why Go: Family-friendly Halloween fun, with hundreds of carved pumpkins and a not-too-scary Haunted House.
Cost: $7 for kids and seniors; $10 for adults.

Jazz in the Afternoon
When/Where: Sunday at noon at Uproot Restaurant in Warren.
Why Go: Local jazz faves Warren and Allan Vache, with Randy Reinhart,  Dan Levinson, Vinnie Corrao and Neal Miller in concert.
Cost: $18 ($15 for WBGO and NJ Jazz Society members). Reservations required.

When/Where: Saturday at the Bridgewater Commons Mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: To wear your costumes to the mall and take part in arts and crafts, face painting and prizes.Cost: Free

The Great Pumpkin Ball
When/Where: Friday at 6 p.m. at Good Grief, Morristown
Why Go: It's the grief counseling service's biggest fundraiser. Plus, it promises to be a lot of fun.
Cost: $195

Death and Mourning
When/Where: Friday at 6 p.m. at Historic Speedwell Village, Morristown
Why Go: To get into the Halloween spirit, witness a reenactment of a traditional 19th Century funeral.
Cost: $6-$10

Morristown Halloween Bike Ride
When/Where: Friday at 6:30 p.m. from Morristown Town Hall parking lot, 200 South St.
Why Go: It's Morristown's monthly community bike ride, but with a spooky twist! Light up your bike or wear a costume.
Cost: Free