Your Weekend: Crossword Puzzles and Free Pumpkins

With so much going on in the villages this weekend, there are tough decisions to be made! Here is a sampling of some of the local happenings from Friday through Sunday:

Where/When: (175 Tompkins Ave., Pleasantville) on Friday, Oct. 21 from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m.

Why go: Pleasantville's own Will Shortz, New York Times crossword puzzle editor and Table Tennis Center co-owner, will be hosting this event in the new venue for the first time. Solvers of all levels will work on unpublished Monday to Wednesday crossword puzzles and those who finish first will solve a Thursday puzzle on a large board for all to see! You can compete individually or in pairs. There will also be trophies/puzzle book prizes for solvers in the 25 and under category, 60 and over category, Pleasantville resident category, pairs category and first-time contestant category. There will be refreshments provided by the Pleasantville Fund for Learning, which is also the beneficiary of the tournament's proceeds. Register in advance at or at the door.

Pricing: $30 individual; $45 pair.

Where/When: cafeteria on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 7 to 11 a.m.

Why go: This annual tradition is sponsored by the Pleasantville Rotary Club and benefits the Community Scholarship Fund. In addition to unlimited pancakes, you can treat yourself to all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, coffee, tea and orange juice. It's a great way to energize yourself before heading out to one of the other many local activities and events this weekend!

Pricing: $8 adults; $5 children under 12 and seniors

The Club's Pumpkin Patch Community Event

Where/When: (25 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor) on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why go: For the third consecutive year, The Club at Briarcliff Manor will be offering free pumpkins and refreshments to local families in celebration of the arrival of fall.

Pricing: Free

Briarcliff/Pleasantville Football Game

Where/When: on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7 p..m.

Why go: The season comes to an end with a league rivalry game (also Pleasantville's homecoming). It's sure to be an exciting match for fans of both teams.

Pricing Free

Where/When: Briarcliff Manor and Pleasantville business districts on Saturday, Oct. 22 (times vary)

Why go: Unleash your child's inner artist with Halloween-themed painting opportunities at one of the many local businesses. .

Pricing: $10 per child in Pleasantville; $15 per child (or $20 per pair) in Briarcliff Manor

Pleasantville HS Bricklaying Ceremony

Where/When: on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 9 a.m.

Why go: Check out the  on Saturday following the bricklaying ceremony at Alumni Plaza (tours will be offered). A plaque dedication will follow at 10:30 a.m. 

Pricing: Free

Where/When: in Briarcliff Manor on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Why go: Commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the most celebrated books in American literature with an Ossining filmmaker's documentary about Author Harper Lee.

Pricing: $5 suggested donation (proceeds to go the church); free for students

Where/When: on Thursday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for members only; Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Why go: The fall book sale is a great opportunity to find a new favorite book to curl up with as it starts to get cooler outside. And, if you miss the sales this weekend, be sure to stop by Monday and Tuesday, when the leftover books are free!

Pricing: Free to browse, merchandise prices vary