As the weather becomes milder and foliage morphs into to blazing autumn shades, weekends in the area come to life with activity.

This Saturday Covington, Porterdale and Social Circle are hosting major annual festivals. We’re sure there are even more events of which we’re unaware.

At 9:30 a.m. the annual Mutt Show will take place on the square. Dogs can earn top spots in a number of categories and all the proceeds from donations go to the Newton County Humane Society.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Porterdale will host a town reunion. However, the festival is not just for past and present Porterdale residents. Musical entertainment, arts and crafts and children’s activities should be inviting to anyone wanting to participate in good family fun. At noon, the newly approved Yellow River Park will be dedicated.

From 3 to 8 p.m. Social Circle will hold a fall festival in order to raise money for the town’s Relay for Life team. Although Relay for Life takes place in May, many teams jump start their fundraising efforts around this time of year.

We often advocate buying local. Donating local is just as important. Our local businesses provide a significant amount of our county’s tax base and our local nonprofits often take care of our residents first.

Please, choose a local event to attend this weekend and keep money and smiles in the county.