This Weekend: Scarecrows, Follies and Greek food

October 7, 2011

Here it is, the first full weekend in October and there’s plenty to do.

Head up to Cambria Saturday and Sunday for the Scarecrow and Harvest Festival, which has been getting some very nice statewide press. More than 200 handcrafted, life-sized scarecrows will adorn the streets of downtown and Moonstone Drive in this one-of-a-kind fundraiser for the Cambria Historical Society. Both days feature live music and plenty of activities for the kids. Best of all, everything (except the food) is free.

If the play’s the thing, you’ve got a couple of options to consider. San Luis Obispo Little Theater officially kicks off its 65th season this weekend with a production of the iconic American musical “Oklahoma!” Evening performances are Friday and Saturday with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, Pewter Plough Playhouse in Cambria opens a musical salute to Cole Porter this weekend with “The Fourth Wall,” running through October 30. Opening champagne reception is Saturday night.

Or if you’re truly nostalgic, head on down to the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande for the annual Central Coast Follies to fight Parkinson’s Disease. These senior ladies kick up a storm with singing and dancing and good old-fashioned fun. There are several local young people involved in the popular show as well. Performances are Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday at high noon.

A common complaint is the lack of good Greek food on the Central Coast. Not true Saturday night when the 26th annual An Evening in Greece returns at the South County Regional Center in Arroyo Grande. The food is authentic, the dancing is mesmerizing, and a good time will be had by all. Doors open at 5 p.m.

If you prefer the outdoors, check out the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden in El Chorro Regional Park, right across the street from Cuesta College. They have a giant plant sale starting Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for members/10 a.m. for non-members. Then on Sunday, at 4 p.m. a special concert is being served up by “musical madman” Joe Craven of Live Oak fame.

Book lovers will want to check out the book launch party Saturday afternoon for former ESPN sportscaster C.J. Silas whose memoir “No Girls Allowed” will be published in early November. There’s live music, food, and books to buy at the Steaming Bean, 1651 Shell Beach Road in Shell Beach. The action starts at 2 p.m.

Movie-wise, George Clooney in the political drama “The Ides of March” dukes it out with Hugh Jackman’s futuristic boxing crowd-pleaser “Real Steel.” Jim Dee at the Palm Theater is bringing back Woody Allen’s Paris comedy “Midnight in Paris,” the sleeper hit of the summer.