Family fun in Brookings: five upcoming events

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BROOKINGS – Hobo Day isn’t the only exciting event happening this month.  Spend time with the entire family by attending these low-cost events in Brookings throughout October. 

Farmers Market Fall Festival and Community Potluck 

When: Today, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Where: 300 Sixth Ave. 

What: Shop local fall foods including squash, pumpkins and apples. Bring the entire family for a free petting zoo and community potluck. The farmers market and petting zoo are open until noon with the potluck to follow. 

Quotable: Kirsten Gjesdal, the Downtown Business District Committee chair, says the potluck is a first-time event for the Brookings Farmers Market. “It will be a great day to meet other people in the community while spending time in the park. Feel free to bring blankets, chairs and a dish to share.” 

East Fire Station Pancake Breakfast 

When: Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Where: 607 20th Ave. 

What: Celebrate fire prevention week by joining the Brookings Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary for a pancake breakfast and fire station tour. Freewill donations accepted. 

McCrory Dog Days of Fall 

When: Oct. 14, noon-5 p.m. 

Where: McCrory Gardens, 631 22nd Ave. 

What: For one day only, dogs are allowed into the 25 acres of formal gardens at McCrory Gardens. Both dogs and humans are encouraged to come dressed in costume and ready to explore. Admission is a freewill donation for humans and $1 per dog. All money received will be used to restore the McCrory Gardens Cottage. 

Forces of Nature, Science Demos 

When: Oct. 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m. 

Where: South Dakota Ag Heritage Museum, 977 11th St. 

What: The South Dakota State University Science Concepts Illustration Squad will provide science demonstrations on the chemistry and physics of extreme weather. The demonstration is a part of the current exhibit, Weathering the Storm: Nature’s Impact on South Dakota. 

This event is free, but space is limited to 50 people. Pre-register by visiting agmuseumstore.com. 

Quotable: “We encourage families to attend,” says Ag Heritage Museum curator Carrie VanBuren. “The demonstration will feature miniature tidal waves, volcanoes and tornados, along with information on how these events impact the earth. The exhibit contains multiple hands-on learning features for children to explore as well.” 

Trick or Treat on Main Avenue 

When: Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m. 

Where: Main Avenue, Downtown Brookings

What: The Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business District Committee are once again hosting Trick or Treat on Main, open to kids of all ages. Participating businesses will have balloons at their door and plenty of candy to share. 

Quotable: “Kids can collect candy, show off their costumes and just have fun,” says Gjesdal. “This is a way for downtown businesses to interact with people and give back to the community that supports us each year.”