East metro briefs: Harvest fest big on pumpkin events

The Stillwater Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off is set for 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. next Sunday.

The pumpkin weigh-off from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday will feature some of the biggest pumpkins in Washington County. A pumpkin regatta is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, and a giant pumpkin drop is 5 p.m. Sunday.

Other events and musical entertainment are scheduled throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. Go to www.harvestfestivalstillwater.com for more information.

'Writers on Writing' launches fall lineupMystery writer Erin Hart will begin the fall season of "Writers on Writing" sponsored by ArtReach St. Croix.

Hart has written a series of crime novels set in Ireland that revolve around forensics, history and folklore. "Haunted Ground," "Lake of Sorrows" and "False Mermaid" have won numerous awards.

The free event will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Stillwater Public Library, located at 224 Third St. N.

Other 'Writers on Writing" events include:

• Children's book author Deborah Jo Larson and her editor, will discuss the publishing process at 7 p.m. Dec. 6.

For more information on these and other events, go to www.artreachstcroix.org.

Italian festival scheduled at churchA community Italian Festa di Pasta will be held at First United Methodist Church of Stillwater from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 20.

The event will feature true Italian food. The menu includes chicken tetrazzini, penne pasta with Italian sausage and spaghetti with your choice of three sauces.

Cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-10, and free for ages 5 and under. For more information, call 651-439-1880 or e-mail firstumc@msn.com.

The free event includes 85 artists in a juried show.

Music this afternoon will feature Mick Sterling from noon-2 p.m. and Les Izmoor from 3-5 p.m.

For more information, including a detailed schedule, go to www.stillwaterfallartfair .com.

'Into the Woods' continues at Loft Stage through SaturdayThe Woodbury Community Theatre is presenting "Into the Woods," a fairy-tale themed musical about the experiences of familiar fabled characters as they pursue their wishes.

Remaining performances are at 3 p.m. today and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Loft Stage of East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive in Woodbury.