Downtown Amesbury gets into the spirit of the season with its annual Fall Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The free event features a variety of crafters and vendors and plenty of entertainment. A four-hour concert is planned at the outdoor amphitheater in the upper Millyard. The lineup features Bill Plante and Friends from noon to 2 p.m. and Liz Frame and the Kickers from 2 to 4 p.m. For the kids, there will be face painting and Mr. Dee's balloon art.

The rain date is Sunday, but organizers say the event will go off Saturday if the morning is clear. The event is presented by the Amesbury Downtown Business Association. For event and weather updates, visit www.amesburychamber.com or call Park Place at 978-388-9600.

In conjunction with the festival, Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery at 32 Elm St. in downtown Amesbury is hosting a fine arts and crafts event. Nature-inspired pottery, fleece ponchos, hats and scarves, handbags, hand-crafted puppets, jewelry and more will be for sale. Call 978-388-3499.

Anna Jaques pours wine tasting fundraiser

"Taste of Spain and Mediterranean Wines" is the theme of Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation's seventh annual wine tasting benefit Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Newburyport City Hall on Pleasant Street.

The event will feature a mix of wine and tapas. Tickets are $60 and include one full glass of wine or beer and unlimited tastings and tapas. Proceeds will benefit urology services at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

For tickets, call the foundation office at 978-463-1176 or visit www.ajh.org.

New Eden Harvest Celebration

The New Eden Collaborative of First Parish Church in Newbury tries once again to hold its New Eden Harvest Celebration Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newbury church at 20 High Road (Route 1A). The event was originally scheduled for last Sunday but was postponed because of rain.

The festival will include sustainable food, gardening and cooking contests in several categories. Home and community gardeners will compete for the title of best-tasting organic tomato, organic cucumber and organic squash/pumpkin, sweetest organic carrot, best beet, most beautiful heirloom vegetable and most bizarre root vegetable. Cooks who use local or home-grown produce as a major ingredient in their cooking will put their pickles, jams and jellies, salsas, sauces and more to the test.

In addition to the cooking contests, there will be music and dance, gardening demonstrations, children's games, crafts and tours of the New Eden Organic Community Gardens and historic First Parish Church and cemetery. Interactive performances by the Green Artists League and a raffle for a 2010 Toyota Prius are also planned.

Entries to the cooking contests should be dropped off to the contest tent by 11 a.m. Sunday. The results will be announced at 2 p.m. Visit www.newedengarden.org or call Erin Stack at 978-807-6315.

Healthy dose of laughs headed to Firehouse

Boston-bred comedian Steve Sweeney tackles the New England political scene and more when he brings his trademark Boston accent, dialects and idiosyncratic mannerisms to Newburyport's Firehouse Center for the Arts in Market Square on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Sweeney has headlined at top comedy clubs around the country, including Caroline's Comedy Club in New York City. He has been a regular on "The David Letterman Show," "Evening at the Improv," "Comics Come Home" and other shows, and appeared in Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School," Judd Apatow's "Celtic Pride," "Me, Myself & Irene" and "There's Something About Mary." His "Steve Sweeney Morning Show" can be heard on WZLX 100.7-FM radio.

Tickets are $20, $18 for members. Call the Firehouse box office at 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.

Celebration of flamenco dance and music

The Flamenco Dance Project, a company of artists dedicated to the evolving art of flamenco dance and music, presents its new show, "Marcando Compas," on Saturday night to celebrate the third anniversary of The Mission Oak Grill, 26 Green St., Newburyport.

The show is the creation of artistic director and dancer Sabrina Aviles, who began studying Spanish folkloric dance in 1978 in her mother's native Dominican Republic. The company showcases the talents of U.S.-based flamenco artists and engages its audiences by teaching them dance steps and encouraging them to take to the dance floor.

Saturday's anniversary celebration begins with a cocktail reception with complimentary appetizers and drink specials at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8:30. Tickets are $20. The program is presented by Drinkwater Productions. Visit www.drinkwaterroductions.com.

A look at the women in Whittier's life

Marion Kilson, a scholar, anthropologist, curator and author, will highlight "Notable Women in Whittier's Life" today at 2 p.m. at the John Greenleaf Whittier Home, 86 Friend St., Amesbury.

Kilson, the former dean of faculty at Salem State College and longtime branch member of the American Association of University Women, will discuss Whittier's relationships with five categories of women: caretakers, youthful flames, abolitionist sympathizers, proteges and literary admirers. She'll draw on letters to and from Whittier as well as the poems the women inspired in revealing details about the poet's relationships.

The program is presented by the Whittier Home Association and open to the public. Admission is $5; members are invited for free. Refreshments will be served. Call 978-388-1337.

Wine & Beer Tasting benefits Amesbury education

Amesbury Educational Foundation hosts its fourth annual Wine & Beer Tasting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. under tents on the banks of the Merrimack River at 501 Main St. in Amesbury. The fundraiser was originally scheduled for September, but was postponed out of respect to the family of fallen soldier Sgt. Jordan Shay.

The event will feature hors d'oeuvres from many local restaurants, including The Barking Dog, Powow River Grille, Phat Cats, The Flatbread Co., Ristorante Molise and Alimento Catering. Beer, wine and a martini station will be available.

The evening will culminate with the award of a $10,000 grant to an Amesbury public schools teacher or team of teachers to support innovative and challenging programs. In addition, individuals who have made positive contributions to education in Amesbury will also be honored with Peter Gray Friend of Education Recognition awards.

Tickets are $30 and available from foundation president Joan Miller at 978-834-2373 or Cathy Toomey at 978-388-0880, as well as at Stone Ridge Properties on Main Street in downtown Amesbury. Original tickets will be honored. Visit www.AEFIonline.com for more.

'Night of Live Art' for The Actors Studio

Poetry, music and more combine for "A Night of Live Art" fundraiser Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at The Actors Studio in The Tannery mall, 50 Water St., Newburyport.

The program will feature members of the Newburyport-based Powow River Poets, Byfield cellist Kristen Miller and other performers. It is presented by The Actors Studio together with Johannah and Anthony Spero.

Tickets are $45. A reception with food and drink donated by Tannery businesses will follow the performance in the concourse of Mill #1 of the mall. Proceeds support the nonprofit Actors Studio. For reservations, call 978-465-1229, or visit www.newburyportacting.org.

Batter up for old-time baseball games

Vintage baseball returns to the fields of Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm at 5 Little's Lane in Newbury on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spectators are invited to watch the Essex Baseball Club take on the Lynn Live Oaks, Fitchburg Rollstones and Ipswich Brewers using 1861 rules that require underhanded pitching. No gloves are allowed. Kids of all ages can take the field and join in a game at 2 p.m.

The games go off weather permitting. Grass field seating will be available; bring blankets or lawn chairs. There will be beer samples provided by Ipswich Ale, and snacks, baseballs and cards for sale. Admission is $3, free to Historic New England members. Call 978-462-2634.

History bike ride pedaling through Newburyport

Pedal off into the past on a bike ride through the North End of Newburyport on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 6-mile bike ride with highlight the history and architecture of the North End and High Street, with special emphasis on the city's transportation and industrial past.

The outing is led by John Briggs and Tom Horth and sponsored by Newburyport Preservation Trust, Coastal Trails Coalition and Riverside Cycle. It starts from the bike shop in The Tannery mall off Federal Street. Bike rentals will be available.

The group will stop for a picnic lunch; bring along something to eat or drink. Kids are welcome with a responsible adult. Helmets are required. The ride will be canceled in the event of poor weather. Call Riverside Cycle at 978-465-5566 for more.

Harmonic sacred harp singing in Byfield

Explore the earliest roots of sacred harp singing when the 34th annual New England Sacred Harp Singing Convention takes over Byfield Community Arts Center this weekend. About 200 singers from across New England will perform from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the arts center at 7 Central St.

The art can be traced to the country parish music of early 18th century England. It was later introduced to America, where the acoustics of the antique churches, grange halls and meeting houses are well suited to the tunes' a cappella, four-part, close harmony.

For more about sacred heart singing or this weekend's event, call 617-233-8592 or visit www.neconvention.net.

Authors turning pages at Newburyport Library

Newburyport's R.H.B. Jackson discusses his new book, "Dad and Me," a true story starting in the early 1880s in Maine and continuing through the 1950s when his family moved to Newburyport and into today, on Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St.

On Wednesday, Beth Maloney will highlight her book, "Saving Sammy: Curing the Boy Who Caught OCD," at 7 p.m.

Admission to both readings is free. Call the library at 978-465-4428.

Horse-drawn hayrides roll through Maudslay

Take in the fall foliage within Maudslay State Park in Newburyport aboard a horse-drawn hayride Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

The free rides will depart on an ongoing basis from the field across from the main parking lot on Curzon Mill Road. The park interpreter will highlight areas of natural and historical significance as the hayrides travel along the river and through the former Moseley family estate. Refreshments will be available and donations to support future programs at Maudslay will be accepted. The rain date is Oct. 10.

Here's what else is planned at Maudslay:

The final two Kidleidoscope programs of the season are set for tomorrow and next Friday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. Geared at getting kids ages 3 to 6 acquainted with nature, the programs include a story, craft and activity that involves outdoor exploration.

A Hike to Health sets out Sunday at 1 p.m. to check out the foliage. The moderate walk will cover less than 2 miles and is designed to improve cardiovascular health.

On Monday, the park hosts a senior walk at 1 p.m. While all ages are invited, the slow-paced walk is especially designed for seniors and combines exercise with resource discovery.

All programs are free and start from the park headquarters. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by adults. Call the park at 978-465-7223 for more.

Greek church serving up traditional meal

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Harris St., Newburyport, is cooking up a lamb shank dinner on Saturday at 6 p.m.

In addition to the church's well-known lamb shank and special sauce that it serves at its annual festival, the menu will include roasted potatoes, touralou (Greek vegetable medley) and baklava for dessert.

Tickets are $20. For a reservation, call 978-270-6477. For more, call the church at 978-465-5757.

Storyteller sharing 'Fibs, Fables, Folklore'

Oklahoma-based storyteller Al Bostick presents "Fabulous Fibs, Fables and Folklore" tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the Top Notch Theater on the third floor of the Spurk Building on the Haverhill campus of Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliott St.

Bostick keeps the oral tradition of African and African-American folklore alive. Mixing wit, wisdom and humor, he accompanies himself on African drums as he tells his tales.

Hosted by the college's Performing Arts Department, the performance is appropriate for all ages. Admission is free. However, donations will be accepted. Contact Susan Sanders at ssanders@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3374 for more.

Vintage music with the Lighthouse Trio

The Lighthouse Trio returns to Hobo's Cafe and Lounge at 5 Broadway on Salisbury Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. with a lively program of tunes from the '30s, '40s and '50s.

Young guest drummer Travis Hagan of Haverhill will sit in with the vintage music group and its regular drummer, Lou Masiello, and Jim Guest, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, will be a special guest on trumpet as well. George Blodgett will be back on bass after a month's absence and Bob Allison will handle keys and vocals and serve as master of ceremonies for the evening.

An open mike for singers, pianists and small acoustic acts will take place from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Performers should sign in at 7:45. In addition, Newburyport's Malcolm Carnwath will offer up some blues on piano and vocals and Elle Gutowski of Topsfield will be on hand for some romantic ballads.

The Lighthouse Trio performs at Hobo's the first Wednesday of the month (except January and February). The other Wednesdays, Allison hosts sing-alongs and karaoke at the cafe. For more, call Bob at 978-270-9242 or Hobo's Cafe at 978-465-4626.

Treasures & Travels benefits historical society

The Historical Society of Old Newbury is gearing up for Treasures & Travels 2009, a dinner and auction fundraiser set for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris St., Newburyport.

The event opens with a preview and silent auction featuring hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, followed by dinner at 7 and the live auction led by local auctioneer John McInnis at 8.

Among the items up for grabs will be more than a dozen Oriental rugs, four American Airlines round-trip tickets, a caneware pitcher, silver, ceramics, Red Sox and Boston Symphony tickets, a sailing trip from Marblehead, weekends in Maine, Boston and New York City; a framed Buffalo Bill signature, and the chance to name a character in Newburyport historical fiction author Anne Easter Smith's next book.

An auction preview is planned for Friday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cushing House Museum, 98 High St., Newburyport.

Tickets are $60. Reservations are required. Call the historical society at 978-462-8681, e-mail hson@newburyhist.org or visit www.newburyhist.org.

Custom House collecting yard sale goods

Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport is holding a yard sale on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11, to help support its mission to showcase its maritime heritage and history. The fundraiser will take place both days from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 69 High Road in Newbury.

The museum is seeking donations for the sale, including household goods, furniture and hardcover books. No paperback books, clothing or toys will be accepted. Items may be delivered to the barn at 69 High Road (across from Sunshine Dairy Farm), or call 978-807-5558 to arrange for pick-up.

'A Christmas Carol' auditions on tap

Amesbury Playhouse is auditioning for its annual production of "A Christmas Carol" on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All roles are open, and all ages are welcome to try out. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing and read from the script. For more, call the Playhouse at 978-388-9444 or visit www.amesburyplayhouse.com.

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