Gigantic pumpkins, apples galore fill festivals

As September turns to October and the leaves turn orange, two regional festivals will celebrate the changing of the seasons with food, fun and, hopefully, no frost on the ground.

Downtown Ithaca's 24th Apple Harvest Festival will blend live music with exquisite works from local artists and craftsmen beginning at noon on Friday. The first note of the festivities will be struck by gypsy swing band Djung Django, followed by an eclectic roster of bluegrass, hip hop and a cappella acts over the weekend. Meanwhile, the streets of downtown Ithaca will host a virtual farmer's market of local bakers, wine-makers and produce vendors.

Saturday will introduce a ferris wheel, a 104-foot-tall giant slide and a kids' activity tent on Cayuga Street.