Fall Harvest Festival Family Fun Day
Beaumont, Texas

When: late October

Where: Events are held on the grounds of the John J. French Museum at 3025 French Road in Beaumont.

As one of the oldest homes in Beaumont, the John J. French house has long been a silent witness to the ever-evolving face of the south east Texas city. Times may have changed since the structure's construction in 1845, but for one day each year the calendar rolls back to a more innocent era as families gather on the grounds of the museum dedicated to pioneer life to enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun.

Events: Falling leaves and carved pumpkins indicate that Halloween is just around the corner, and kids of all ages can get out their trick-or-treat duds early for the costume contest.

The aroma of straight-from-the-oven pecan pie beckons visitors toward the fall bake-off, where prizes are handed out in appetizer, side dish and dessert categories. If the award-winning baked goods sparks your own culinary creativity, attend a 30-minute lesson in preserving and canning fruits and vegetables.

In 1981, a watermelon seed was projected 65 feet, 4 inches at a watermelon seed-spitting contest in Luling, and participants can pucker up at this fall fete in an attempt to break the world record. Contestants can also take a bite out to the competition as they try to chomp down on one of the fleshy fruits in the apple bobbing contest.

The old "Wizard of Oz" tune "If I Only Had a Brain" will surely pop into your own noggin as you check out the straw-stuffed figures constructed during the scarecrow building contest. Although far from frightening figures, the contestants' finished results can shoo away any fowl hoping to chow down on a farmer's crop.

Continuing the family-oriented theme of the festival, a variety of crafts and games to entertain all ages will be available throughout the afternoon.

For more information:

• visit www.jjfrench.com