1. Apple-tree birthday
Considered the matriarch of Washington’s apple industry, the Old Apple Tree was planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver. The first Saturday every October, the oldest apple tree in the Northwest is celebrated with the Old Apple Tree Festival. Urban Forestry commissioners will hand out cuttings from the tree to guests, and the family-friendly event also features activities for children, tree care workshops, food, live music and walking tours of Fort Vancouver. There also will be a community cider pressing station that guests can use if they bring their own apples and a clean container. The Old Apple Tree Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 Columbia Way, Vancouver. Admission is free. www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/old-apple-tree-festival
2. Early scares
The Four Horsemen Haunted Attractions will be turning the Clark County Fairgrounds into the Scaregrounds for the month of October. Those looking for a chance to scream can wander through three indoor haunts, the Hill House, The Asylum and ScreamHouse in 3D. There is also the Android Rebellion, an interactive laser tag maze. There will also be themed carnival games. The haunted attraction is open from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 2-3, 9-11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29-31; and 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 16-17 and 23-24 at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Tickets are $20, $7 for laser tag. www.fourhorsemenpdx.com
3. Creative carving
It’s First Friday in Camas, and this month is all about pumpkins. The 10th annual Pumpkin Pageant allows local businesses to show off carved pumpkins, with visitors voting for their favorite. Adults and children can enter a superhero costume contest, with multiple prizes for both age groups. The re will also be free face-painting, produce for sale and live music. First Friday runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2 in downtown Camas, Northeast Fourth Avenue. The event is free. www.downtowncamas.com
4. Philosophical violin
Renowned violinist Anne Akiko Meyers will play with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 3 and 4, and prior to the Oct. 4 show, she will be the guest on “Philosophy Talk,” a radio program that explores life. The episode will cover Meyer’s performance of “Serenade for Violin and Orchestra” by Leonard Bernstein, which draws inspiration from Plato’s work. The radio taping is 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Skyview High School Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver, and tickets are $15 for just the taping, or $10 with a ticket to either symphony performance. The orchestra’s performances are also at Skyview’s concert hall at 3 p.m. Oct. 3 and 7 p.m. Oct. 4. Tickets range from $10-50. www.vancouversymphony.org
