It’s that time of year again for Oktoberfest and Halloween. Once it’s October, leaves start changing from green to the beautiful colors of fall. Apple orchards are filled with ripened fruit and the air has a decided crispness to it.
Let’s celebrate Oktoberfest this weekend and see what’s happening for Halloween already.
Oktoberfest at the Duck Pond 
Demarest has a major fair in early October. Oktoberfest at the Duck Pond is a hugely popular event that draws thousands. It’s an all day event because it runs from 10 to 5. Since there’s a lot going on, it has for something everyone.
Let’s begin with the fact that there will be a major juried craft show. Add in what everyone expects from Oktoberfest – German music, food and beer. The Boy Scouts will give you a canoe ride on the Duck Pond and food trucks of all varieties are there too. In addition there’s a farmer’s market (live animals too) and exhibits from the Demarest Nature Center. This is, after all, a fund raiser for the Demarest Nature Center. So be sure to come this Saturday to the Demarest Duck Pond.
Leonia Oktoberfest at Wood Park
Leonia may be a very small town but it has a huge town spirit. I know because I grew up here. It’s also hosting the 23rd annual Leonia Oktoberfest at Wood Park. Wood Park is located immediately behind the Leonia Public Library right off of Fort Lee Road near Broad Ave. This fundraiser is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Palisades and happens Sunday from 2 to 8 pm.
It all began when a group of visiting Germans decided to have a Bavarian cookout for their hosts with beer and German music. Because it was so popular, it took off and in 2010 the Rotary Club took it over. It’s been a major fund raiser ever since. Would you like to sample great German food and premium beers? Enjoy music too? Then come to Wood Park on Sunday where you’ll find all of it. Thousands do every year.
Zoo Boo is Back 
PLEASE NOTE THAT ZOO BOO SELLS OUT VERY QUICKLY. CLICK ON THIS LINK & SCROLL 2/3 DOWN THE PAGE FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE.
Zoo Boo is one of the most popular events at the Bergen County Zoo in Van Saun Park. This is completely aimed at young children who delight in how the zoo is turned into a haunted house every October for Halloween. Zoo Boo is Friday through Sunday on October 21, 22 and 23.
While you might miss getting tickets, it’s still a great place to visit yourself or with children. The Bergen County Zoological Park has so much to offer. Every year they add more animals to their exhibits. It’s really quite impressive for a small local zoo.
Nightmare on River Road
It seems that this grows more popular every year. New Milford is the place and 563 is the spot for Nightmare on River Road. Be prepared for Halloween fun in this seasonal spectacular that happens on Fridays and Saturdays from this weekend on in October. You’ll be entertained with the most ghoulish fun from 6 to 10; an ongoing show, you can enter any time.
When Nightmare on River Road lost it’s original location, New Bridge Farm and Garden offered to let them use their facility because it’s been such a part of Halloween fun in Bergen County. Since this show happens after what was normal business hours, it worked out perfectly. To thank New Bridge Farm and Garden, they ask that you buy consider purchasing a pumpkin or something else while there.
5k Runs This Weekend
Runners will love this weekend because there are several 5k runs. There’s still time to sign up so here they are:
- Haworth 5k on Friday
- Demarest 5k Run on Sunday
- Fort Lee 9th Annual Run for the Kids 5k/2k on Saturday
- Ho-Ho-Kus Richard’s Run on Sunday
- Oradell 5k Run/Walk on Saturday
- Paramus 5k Marathon of Coming Out
- Spectrum for Living 5k Run/Walk/Doggie Dash on Saturday in Ridgefield Park
- Tenafly USO 5k on Friday
No doubt about it. There’s plenty going on in Bergen County this weekend!
