Apple picking season in New Jersey runs from the end of August through October although the best part of it is Labor Day Weekend through October 15th.  I remember going to an orchard to pick apples when my son was young.  Sometimes it was just the 2 of us and sometimes with a bunch of friends.  It was a fun time and a great way to spend a day in the country.  

There is only 1 farm left in Bergen County that does have an apple orchard where you can pick your own apples - Demarest Farms in Hillsdale.  There are several including Demarest Farms that have pumpkin patches but we'll get to that in a few weeks.

Nearby, not all that far away, is Ochs Orchard in Warwick, NY.  AND they have their own truly delicious home made ice cream!  This is a multi generation family owned farm that is an absolute delight and well worth the 1 hour drive.  

In Rockland County there's a more traditional, old fashion experience at Dr Davies Farmstand (Congers, NY) now in it's 5th generation of the same family (started in the 1600's) or  further out in Chester, NJ is Riamede Farm.  Honestly, you will be happy with any of these that I have here.

Now let's get to what is coming up this weekend in Bergen County -

25th Anniversary Memorial Vigil by the County of Bergen
Come to the Overepeck County Park Amphitheatr Thursday night at 6:30 for the Bergen County 911 Memorial Vigil.  Everyone here knew someone, knew of someone or knew people who lost a loved one on September 11th.

The Garden Club of Harrington Park
Thursday night at 7:30 it's the Garden Club of Harrington Park's first meeting of the year and its a good one as usual.  Master Gardener Christine Kozar will give a presentation on what you need to plant now that will bloom next spring.  This is free for the public and held at the Community Church's Founder Hall (1 Spring St).  

Special Needs Karate Program Grand Opening
The non-profit organization, Special Needs Karate, got together with Team Up Counseling to bring a very special karate program to children with autism and other developmental challenges.  This is a wonderful opportunity for these children to build both confidence and skills.  Orientation is Thursday afternoon 4-5 at their location in Cliffside Park (596 Anderson Ave, Suite 305).  Evaluations are free too.

Theresa Troise Heidel Art Exhibit Opening Reception
A Ridgefield Park resident,Theresa Troise Heidel is a highly regarded water color artist who has been featured in many art magazines including being on the cover of the renown American Artist magazine.  She is exhibiting some of her works for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the Ridgefield Park Library.  The exhibit opening is Thursday night 7-9 at the library (107 Cedar St). I can tell you that her watercolors are absolutely beautiful.

The Other Gaze, Bong Jung Kim Art Opening at HACPAC
The Ruth Neustadter Gallery at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) has an art opening of the work of Bong Jung Kim. This happens Thursday 6-9 and I think you'll find Kim's work fascinating.  Taking discarded computer parts, he creates the most interesting pieces with a human face or other human aspect.  

An Evening With Christopher Williams
This happens on Friday, September 11th.  We are asked to do something nice for another person on 911.  If you haven't, go to An Evening With Christopher Williams at HACPAC.  This is a fundraiser for the All Access CDC Food Pantry - you'll do good for someone and music has a healing power which we all need on this day.  Plus you will love Mr Williams' beautiful voice.

34th Annual Ridgewood Car Show
This is the 34th year of the Ridgewood Car Show where they turn the business district into a walking mall. Ridgewood has the biggest local town shopping district and a ton of great restaurants.  So while you're walking by gorgeous classic cars, enjoy a night out with shopping and dinner too.  Because it's held the Friday after Labor Day, it falls on 911 this year and they are having a special ceremony at 7.

Networking Event by Virtual Advisement
Virtual Advisement is a company that guides and mentors you on your career path.  I have no idea about this but from time to time they have a networking and business connection event at Booyah in Mahwah (180 Route 17 South).  The next one is this Friday 4-6.

Fort Lee Artisan Market            
It's time for another Artisan Market at Hudson Lights Park (between Schlosser & Park) brought to you by the Fort Lee Business District Alliance.  As usual, you'll find simply gorgeous hand made items as well has baked goods.  From pottery to woven goods, wonderful breads and pies, every imaginable craft or home made food is here.  This is the next to last Artisan Market so you don't want to mtiss out.  It's on this Saturday from 12-5.

Lorrimer Sanctuary Fishing Basics
This is so much fun!  Teaching kids and adults how to fish is truly a great experience.  Fishing is a wonderful activity.  You're out in nature, the tempo is slow as it develops your patience and when you catch something, it's so exciting.  Many years ago I taught children how to fish and it was very rewarding.  If we caught something we weren't going to eat, back into the pond it went and we watched it swim away.  So if you'd like to learn how to fish from experts, go to the Lorrimer Sanctuary Fishing Basics this Saturday at 9 am at the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve in Franklin Lakes.

Bergen County Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
Bergen County has a wonderful non profit organization dedicated to rescuing horses (& one burro), the Bergen County Horse Rescue & Sanctuary, located at 350 Ramapo Valley Rd in Mahwah.  They regularly have fundraising events and Saturday is ther  Back To School Fun Day On The Farm.  This is an afternoon filled with games and other fun things to do in addition to meeting horses.  Trust me on this - children will be occupied every moment.  This is a highly popular annual event.

Ridgefield Local 330 Food Truck and Music Festival
This is an annual tradition in Ridgefield held Saturday at Veteran's Memorial Park from 11-7 (554 Shaler Blvd).  You'll find a lot to love in this carnival like festival with beer, food, live music and a myriad of vendors and activities.  This is a fundraiser for Special Olympics and the Ridgefield PBA Scholarship Program. 

Super 70's Rock Show at Ramapo College
Are you ready to go back to 70's music?  If you are, go to Ramapo College at 7 Saturday night for the Super 70's Rock Show concert.  This is both a visual and a music show taking you back to the best of 70's music by the band, Super Trans Am.

We also have 3 town celebration days this Saturday - Dumont Day, Ho-Ho-Kus Day and Westwood Fest for their residents.  So if you're from Dumont, Ho-Ho-Kus or Westwood, don't miss your town celebration.

5k Run and Walk
There are two 5k runs this weekend.  Here are the links for you to sign up - 
1.  First Annual PBA 388 5k Run / 1 Mile Walk Fundraiser (Saturday)
2.  The Racefaster Half Marathon (Sunday)

Teaneck Creek Conservancy
The Teaneck Creek Conservancy has 3 events this weekend.  Saturday is their annual Public Volunteer Day: Fall Clean Up 9-12 followed by a Family Walk.  On Sunday it's their Mid-September Walk.  Registration is required for all these free events.  Justt go down their schedule of activities online.

Foraged Woodland Tea Party
Here's a novel idea - teach people how to spot plants in the forest used to make tea, gather some and have a tea party.  This is exactly what happens Sunday 1-3 at the Lorrimer Sanctuary Foraged Woodland Tea Party  (790 Ewing Ave, Franklin Lakes).  Registration online is required and tickets are $30 for this very unique event. 

Butterfly Festival at Garretson Forge & Farm
Did you know that Garretson Forge & Farm in Fair Lawn is a butterfly waystation?  They help to nurture and promote the very endangered monarch butterfly.  This Sunday from 1:30 to 3 is their Butterfly Festival where you'll see monarchs and learn all about them and how the farm is helping.  While focused on teaching children, adults will enjoy this too.

Fort Lee Restaurant Week Starts Monday
Actually, the Fort Lee Restaurant Week runs for 2 weeks beginning Monday.  There are more restaurants here than in any other Bergen County town.  Fort Lee is highly regarded for, among other things, it's large number of terrific restaurants.  Check their website later this week for a full list of participating restaurants that have special offerings at discounted pricing for this.

AND don't forget these ongoing programs - Tenafly Nature Center Apple Cider Making and Open House Sundays at Garretson Forge & Farm.

I hope you got in some time for fun this summer.  Mine was busy but I did take a little time off although my trip to see my son was a bit of a disaster - got the flu, no kidding, from someone who was coughing and sneezing at the supermarket checkout line.  Oh well.  I still hate wearing a mask though.

Have a great weekend and enjoy an event or two!