The Champlain Valley Fair is in full swing in Essex, Vermont this week. You have until Labor Day to get over there and see the racing pigs, stuff yourself with fried dough, see who grew the biggest pumpkin this year and ride the rides until you puke. $5-10 admission.

Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Ron Suskind is giving the Convocation address on the UVM campus on Monday, September 1 (6-7:30pm). Suskind will be talking about his book A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League. This book was required reading for all first-year students at UVM this year. I recently read it myself and highly recommend it. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. The public can obtain tickets from August 29-September 1 at the Hoffman information desk at the Dudley H. Davis Center. Call 802-656-4636 for more information.

On Monday, September 8, 2008, from 6-9pm, Leunig‘s on Church Street in Burlington is hosting an evening of “Wine, Women and Song”. This evening will feature a three-course wine pairing dinner with live music and a fashion show. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to the Breast Care Center at Fletcher Allen Hospital. If you or anyone you know has had breast cancer, here is your chance to show some support.

Well, now I know it’s fall. Halloween’s coming. If you’re looking for something different to do on a weekend night, the Queen City Ghostwalk will be giving tours every Friday and Saturday night from now through October 18. You’ll traipse around downtown Burlington while hearing creepy ghost stories. What could be more fun? $13. See website for more details.

Speaking of Halloween, if you’re looking for a really great costume this year, you might try shopping The UVM Theater Costume Sale on Saturday, August 30, 12-6pm at the Royall Tyler Theater on the UVM campus.

AAA of Northern New England is offering free car care clinics around Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont this fall, including October 30 at their district office On the Green at Maple Tree Place in Williston, VT.

That’s it for now. Just don’t come crying to me saying there’s nothing to do in Burlington.