Fall into fun: Things to do on P.E.I. this first weekend of autumn

It's the first weekend of fall, so as Mother Nature turns this corner, get out an enjoy the changing landscape and all P.E.I. has to offer. Here are a few autumnal suggestions!

1. How do you like them apples?

You don't need to travel to the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia to get some of Eastern Canada's best apples they're right here on P.E.I..

WintermoorOrchard in York near Charlottetown, Brady's Farm and Arlington Orchards in theTyneValley area,MacPhee'sin Cardigan and Maple Farms in Lower Montague are just some of the venues to "pick" from, whether the fruit isfor munching, pie-making or applesauce.

What better spot to grab some sweetselfieswith friends while getting some fresh air and fresh food?

Here's a link to many of the orchards on P.E.I..

2. Imagine that!

You don't need to imagine it find out what's going on in Stratford at their community expo Saturday the Town Centreon Shakespeare Drive from 8 a.m. to noon.

Meet some of the businesses that call Stratford home, register for educational and recreational activities and clubs, and enjoy some pancakes cooked by the local Lions Club served by local teachers and staff. Cost is $8 adults, $5 for children under 10 or $20 per family of 4 or fewer, with proceeds going to school breakfast programs.

There will be face painting, balloon twisting and more.

3. Make it count

P.E.I.'s22ndannual bird count, called the Bennett Birding Classic, organized by Island Nature Trust and the Natural History Society of P.E.I. is being held Saturday. The goal is to find as many species as possible teams are competing to break the record of 107 identified species.

While the adult teams are already registered, there's a new opportunity this year for youth. The Youth Bennett is open to any young birders, no previous birding experience required.

"We're trying to get kids outside, interested in birding as a hobby," said Julie-LynnZahavich. Kids of all ages will learn to identify different birds and how best to locate them.

Youth birders are to meet at LloydInmanMemorial Park at Canoe Cove Beach at 9 a.m. with pick up at 11 a.m. Participation is by donation.

4. Strictly Ballroom Barn

CBC Searchlight finalist Jill Chandler is putting on a fundraising concert at the Ballroom Barn inWheatleyRiver Saturday in support of her sisterLisa Chandler's efforts to raise funds for Hospice P.E.I..

• Writing songs helps in journey through grief

Lisa is set to dance in Hospice P.E.I.'s sold-out event Dancing with the Stars later in October.

"Like all families, we've lost people we love. We know how important it is to have support when faced with terminal illness," says Lisa Chandler. "We're excited to sing and dance to raise funds for the important work of Hospice P.E.I."

Jill Chandler's original pop/folk songs come from a place of love, truth and loss her husband died of cancer in 2013.

Doors open for drinks and socializing at 6:45 with music starting at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available on through Jill Chandler on Facebook on on the event's Facebook page here.

5.Chantez!

This year will be the 7th annual Grand Ruisseau Song Festival, held at the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall.

The festival kicks off Friday afternoon with a sing-song at a local seniors centre, then an evening with a dance by Allan Gallant and Marcel Caissie from P.E.I.'s Evangeline area.

It wraps up Sunday evening with a closing concert including an adult choir, Christian Kit Goguen from New Brunswick and the Acadian band CY from Nova Scotia.

There will also be free workshops open to the public: two choral workshops in french with Yolande Painchaud, and songwriting with Maurie Hashie, also in french.

Tickets are availableat the door. For more information check out the festival's Facebook page here..

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