NILES – Fall has begun in the Four Flags area. Get out and take advantage of the many events taking place this fall season.

Take a fall color tour and enjoy the wide array of colors the landscape has to offer in Berrien and Cass counties.

While on your tour drop by and visit one of the farm markets, you-picks and wineries and indulge yourself in the many varieties of fruits, vegetables and wines from the fall harvest.

For more information on events visit our Web site:  www.fourflagsarea.org or stop by the office, 321 E. Main St., Niles, or call us at (269) 684-7444.

Oct. 8: Consignment auction antiques and collectibles, jewelry, guns and knives, fishing lures and equipment, tractors, boats, vehicles, large equipment, bricks, furniture, coins and more. Auction begins at 9:30 a.m. at Big Bear Auction Co., Eau Claire.

Oct. 8-11: You-Pick Pumpkin Patch. Join a scenic wagon ride to the patch, hand-crafted log furniture, craft gift shop, petting zoo, goodie shop and more.  Open from 2-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  While you are at Butler Tree Farm and Campground, Dowagiac, take the time to pre-tag your Christmas tree.
Oct. 9-11: Niles Haunted House and Scream Park has 44 acres of multiple haunted attractions, hayrides, games and concessions. It’s guaranteed to scare the YELL out of you! Located in Niles on Mayflower Road.

Oct. 10: Niles-Buchanan YMCA sponsors A Day in the Park. This is a community-wide event to promote healthy well being to everyone in our area. This event will take place from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. All classes are free of charge. Fitness instructors of the YMCA will be teaching classes such as Zumba, Hip Hop, Spinning, Ab Blast, Habit, Toning, Glute Burn, Fit Kids, Boot Camp, Kick Boxing, Yoga, Core Fusion and presenting a new class, Baby and Me. There will be T-shirts and water bottles available for purchase and free refreshments. A raffle will give away prizes such as one month memberships, personal training sessions, gift certificates, T-shirts and a bike donated by Cycle Fitness. Come join the fun, rain or shine, in Niles’ Riverfront Park.

Oct. 10-11: Ciderfest. Celebrate National Apple Month and the final harvest of the season Columbus Day weekend at Wicks Apple House, Dowagiac. Fun for the entire family, including wagon rides around the centennial farm, petting zoo, face painting, live country band and entertainment.

Oct. 10: Buchanan Farmer’s Market. Downtown at the Commons, every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is committed to providing the community with fresh, local, fruits and vegetable and strongly encourages healthy living.

Oct. 15-18: You-Pick Pumpkin Patch. Join a scenic wagon ride to the patch, hand-crafted log furniture, craft gift shop, petting zoo, goodie shop and more.  Open from 2-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  While you are at Butler Tree Farm and Campground, Dowagiac, take the time to pre-tag your Christmas tree.

Oct. 16-18: Niles Haunted House and Scream Park has 44 acres of multiple haunted attractions, hayrides, games and concessions. It’s guaranteed to scare the YELL out of you! Located in Niles on Mayflower Road.

Oct. 17: Old Rugged Cross Fall Festival – craft and bake sale at Pokagon United Methodist Church.  The fall festival offers crafts, fall produce, baked goods and home-canned delights. Lunch is also available.  Tours will be offered at the open house.

Oct. 17: Buchanan Farmer’s Market. Downtown at the Commons, every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is committed to providing the community with fresh, local, fruits and vegetable and strongly encourages healthy living.

Oct. 18: Piano concert with dueling pianists. Anthony Beer and Jill Pierce feature solo works that include classical and religious pieces by both pianists. The concert will begin at 4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles. Free-will offering.

Oct. 22-25: You-Pick Pumpkin Patch. Join a scenic wagon ride to the patch, hand-crafted log furniture, craft gift shop, petting zoo, goodie shop and more.  Open from 2-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  While you are at Butler Tree Farm and Campground, Dowagiac, take the time to pre-tag your Christmas tree.

Oct. 22-25: Niles Haunted House and Scream Park has 44 acres of multiple haunted attractions, hayrides, games and concessions. It’s guaranteed to scare the YELL out of you! Located in Niles on Mayflower Road.

Oct. 24: Buchanan Farmer’s Market. Downtown at the Commons, every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is committed to providing the community with fresh, local, fruits and vegetable and strongly encourages healthy living.

Oct. 24: Downtown Safe Trick or Treat and Costume Contest. Begin your afternoon at the Niles library for a costume contest from 1 to 4 p.m. Then you’re on your way over to downtown Niles at 4 p.m. for downtown safe trick or treat. Start at Front Street and work your way down to Fifth Street. Parade, prizes and more all located in downtown Niles.

Oct. 24: Fall Harvest Festival, downtown Eau Claire. Family activities include chili cook off, corn bread bake off, music, bake sales, scarecrow contest, pumpkin carving contest, games, prizes, free face painting, free pumpkin painting, a waffle and sausage breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. and Port-a-Pit chicken from noon to 4 p.m.

Oct. 28-31:  Niles Haunted House and Scream Park has 44 acres of multiple haunted attractions, hayrides, games and concessions. It’s guaranteed to scare the YELL out of you! Located in Niles on Mayflower Road.

Oct. 30: Trick or Treat. Come and enjoy a spooky good time take all of your little ghosts and goblins to Marcellus for an evening of safe trick or treating from 6 to 8 p.m. Also, stop by the fire department for the costume contest at 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 31: Buchanan Farmer’s Market. Downtown at the Commons, every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is committed to providing the community with fresh, local, fruits and vegetable and strongly encourages healthy living.

Oct. 31: Trick or Treat. Come and enjoy a spooky good time and take all of your little ghosts and goblins to your community for an evening of safe trick or treating.

Please view the following list for your area:
Berrien Springs, 6-7 p.m.
Buchanan, 6-7:30 p.m.
Cassopolis, 6-8 p.m.
Dowagiac, 6-7 p.m.
Eau Claire, 5-7:30 p.m.
Edwardsburg, 6-7 p.m.
Niles, 6-7:30 p.m.

Also, take a visit to your local senior center, which offers a wide variety of events, trips and activities.

There are many groups that meet daytime and evening at your local senior center.

You don’t have to be a senior citizen to enjoy your local senior center.

Be sure to check all of your local libraries for a wonderful list of events and fun-filled things to do for all ages.

Melinda Michael is executive director of the Four Flags Area Council on Tourism in Niles.