October is my favorite month of the year. I get giddy when I see the Halloween stores opening and I can’t wait for Oct. 31, and the days leading up to Halloween, to dress up and have some fun.

This month’s cover was taken during a zombie walk last October as a social event for the Coastal Plains Derby Dames. Approximately 30 zombies staggered the streets from the Greenville Town Common to Christy’s Europub.

Zombies are an interesting theory. Are they real? Could a zombie apocolpyse happen? What would you do if it did happen? mixer explored that idea on page 7. The story includes tips on surviving, just in case.

A list of local venues holding Halloween parties and events can be found on page 30. This year East Carolina University’s homecoming weekend falls on the last weekend before Halloween, when many bars and restaurants are holding their annual parties. If you’re attending the ECU football game that weekend, why not consider hosting a Halloween tailgate party? A few ideas and a recipe can be found on page 30.

There’s plenty to do in October as well. The 92nd annual Pitt County American Legion Agricultural Fair will be held Oct. 3-8 at the fairgrounds on U.S. 264. See page 27 for a full schedule.

The Ayden Community Theatre will present the musical comedy “Nunsense” by Dan Goggin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22 at the Ayden Arts and Recreation Center. Read about the production on page 23.

“The Red Velvet Cake War” will be presented by the Farmville Community Arts Council at 8 p.m. Oct. 6-8 and 3 p.m. Oct. 9 at Paramount Theater in Farmville. Read about the play on page 23.