Halloween run at the Arb

Get your Halloween off to a running start with the fourth annual Witch Hazel Hustle 5K Run/Walk at the Arboretum on Oct. 31. The asphalt course winds through woodlands and prairies, including a few challenging hills. Runners are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, and prizes will be awarded. Start time is 8 a.m.

The cost is $35 ($30 for Arb members through Oct. 30; $35 for everyone on race day.) Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and refreshments upon finishing the run. Register at arboretum.umn.edu/witchhazelhustle.aspx. For questions, call 952-443-1400 or e-mail ArbInfo@umn.edu.

'Bumper Crop Apple Sale'

It's crunch time — literally — at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year's glorious fall weather has resulted in a bigger-than-expected apple harvest. That means there's a surplus of ripe apples waiting for someone to take a crunchy bite or slice them up for baking. Beginning Oct. 26, prices at the Arb's Apple House will be significantly reduced, starting at 25 percent off. Remaining apples include Connell Red, Haralson, Snowsweet, Regent, Honeycrisp "utility" apples and research varieties. Other discounted merchandise will include apple products, such as pies and crisps, in addition to meats, squash, pumpkins and gourds.

The Apple House is located on Highway 5 about 1.5 miles west of the Arboretum entrance at the intersection with Rolling Acres Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Architectural adventures

Bette Hammel has written about everything from modernist Wisconsin cabins to the Calatrava Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, Spain. The Wayzata resident's new book, "Wild About Architecture" (Big Picture Press, $20), is a memoir and retrospective of her 30-year love affair with commercial and residential design.

The book is published by photographer Karen Melvin and features Hammel's tales about her favorite buildings in the Twin Cities, from downtown skyscrapers to the Ordway to the Winton-Nelson house in Orono. Hammel also is author of "Legendary Homes of Lake Minnetonka," and "Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes."

The new book's launch and signing will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice St. For information, go to mipa.org.

Harvest to holiday

Holiday gatherings are on the horizon. Bachman's "Holiday Inspiration Night" offers entertaining and decorating seminars on outdoor containers, table settings, floral design and holiday plant care from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Cost is $10; includes wine and food samples. To register, go to bachmans.com.

KIM PALMER, LYNN UNDERWOOD