Choose from variety of activities throughout fall season

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale began Thursday, Oct. 15, but there's still plenty of time to stock up on new books for the colder months. The annual book sale is hosted by the Friends of the Library to help support programs and services the library would otherwise be unable to provide to the public. This includes activities and events for children and adults like the Summer Reading Program and Christmas Winter Wonderland. The sale continues at the following dates and times:

- Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Friday, Oct. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Bag of Books Day is Oct. 25 with books costing $5 per bag. The book sale happens inside the main library branch's meeting room at 111 N. Harvin St. Book purchases are cash or check only.

Cirque du Luxe is coming to Sumter on Oct. 22-25 at Sumter Speedway. Cirque du Luxe is a family-friendly live circus experience featuring incredible performers, exciting acts, comedy and a special K-Pop performance inspired by the world of K-Pop Demon Hunters. Showtimes are Thursday, Oct. 22 - 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 23 - 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 24 - 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 25 - 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. One child age 12 and under is free with each paid Adult General Admission ticket using promo code FREECHILD. For tickets and information, visit www.cirqueduluxe.com. Sumter Speedway is at 3150 Wedgefield Road, Sumter.

Sumter author Leah L. Dawkins' newest novel, "Honeysuckle Swamp," will be released on Monday, Nov. 2, during a book signing and author's reception at Sumter Museum. The reception begins at 6 p.m. at 122 N. Washington St. According to her website, "'When Harper returns to her small South Carolina hometown, she's determined to build a new life, but investigating the finances of Truluck's most prominent families could put her and her mother in danger. Set against a missing child and an approaching hurricane, 'Honeysuckle Swamp' is a compelling Southern tale of mystery, family and finding your place in a community," according to the museum. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public, which includes refreshments. Books will be available for purchase. Call (803) 775-0908 for more information.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Sumter County Veterans Association announces its annual Sumter County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade starts at 10 a.m. down Main Street, and the ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on the courthouse front lawn, 141 N. Main St. There will be a vendor meet and greet on the back lawn of the courthouse after the ceremony. This year's event also celebrates America's 250th anniversary, and everyone is invited. For more information, contact Valerie Brunson at (803) 436-2303.

Pietas Coalition's Second Annual Communities Against Trafficking Walkathon will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at Dillon Park in Sumter, 1200 Clara Louise Kellogg Drive, Sumter. This year's theme is "Every Child Deserves to Bloom," and the walkathon will bring together families, community members, organizations and advocates to promote awareness, prevention, education and community involvement surrounding child trafficking and exploitation. There will be community safety posters, face painting, moon bounce, music and more. Reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/y4buxv88.

Fall means good times shared with family and friends, plus food. Enjoy them all at the annual Oyster Roast, held at Sumter Museum, on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is the 28th year this event is being held. "Eat 'em steamed and drink 'em from a boat." Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters and more with beer, wine and live music from Chappell Court Band. Tickets for museum members are $50, and tickets are $75 for nonmembers. For tickets and more information, visit sumtermuseum.org. The museum is at 122 N. Washington St.

The 2nd annual First Responders BBQ Cookoff & Car/Truck Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. Awards at 2 p.m. Free admission and parking, with raffles and door prizes. To enter the cookoff or show, or to be a sponsor, contact Lt. Mike McCoy at (803) 774-4098.

William Starrett's "Nutcracker," South Carolina's most loved holiday tradition, returns to Patriot Hall on Saturday, Nov. 21, to kick off the season. Buy tickets at https://southcarolinaballet.com/calendar-tickets. Patriot Hall is at 135 Haynsworth St., Sumter.

Make room for all that turkey and sweet potato casserole. On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, run or walk during the Turkey Trot 5K and for kids the Gobbler Dash starting at 9 a.m. The YMCA's 44th year of the event includes the Gobbler Dash Fun Run for kids, back this year with T-shirts and trophies. This is a certified 5K course, with finish line and chip timers by Strictly Running. The dash will take place on a city trail for kids ages 6 to 9, supervised by YMCA staff. Register through Nov. 22 at the YMCA or online at https://tinyurl.com/4j6c263s. Late registration will open Nov. 23 with an additional $10 fee. Early packet pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25, from noon to 7 p.m. in the Community Health Room at the Y. Get there early to get your shirt. They are first come, first served. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 8 a.m., and race begins at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. For more information, contact Missy Corrigan at (803) 773-1404.

It wouldn't be a merry Christmas without seeing the more than one million lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens at least once during the season. The Opening Night Ceremony is on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m., on the lawn beside the Visitors Center, 822 W. Liberty St. The display is open nightly, closing at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31. Admission is always free. This event is designed as a drive-through, but visitors are allowed to park to take pictures with the lights. Access to the walking trails is closed after dusk. Lights are all along the main parking lot area to Swan Lake Iris Gardens, along Liberty Street and along Garden Street (enter at Liberty Street and exit onto Oakland Avenue). No parking is allowed along Garden Street; however, parking will be available in the lot across from the Heath Pavilion. And don't forget to visit Santa's Village during Fantasy of Lights for a free holiday evening. Bring your own camera for photos with Santa and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere beside the Visitors Center. Santa is available only on these dates from 6 to 8 p.m.: Friday, Dec. 4, Saturday, Dec. 5, Friday, Dec. 11, Saturday, Dec. 12, Friday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 19. The lake is at 822 W. Liberty St.