Anyone who wants to celebrate autumn and harvest time has a couple of more weeks before yuletide events and tree lighting ceremonies get into full gear, although Santa might be smiling at local events where people can shop for gifts early.

The Family Justice Center of Georgetown County will stage its third annual “Taste of Georgetown,” with more than 20 local restaurants serving samples Saturday afternoon on Georgetown’s Front Street.

Beverly Kennedy, the center’s co-executive director and co-chairwoman of the edible, musical festival, said this event remains “our signature fundraiser,” always timed for the first Saturday in November.

She said Taste premiered with just eateries from the city, but it has grown with participants from across Georgetown County, adding some art to double as dessert with the abundance of food, and two bands taking turns.

“This year,” Kennedy said, “we’ll have a number of local artists – some jewelry makers, photographers and painters – who will be part of the festival.”

Kennedy said this festive atmosphere provides extra awareness for the Family Justice Center, which was given a grant last month to operate a safehouse for victims of domestic abuse.

“The most important thing is for people to know we’re here,” she said. “A lot of our referrals come from police, the sheriff’s department and Georgetown Memorial Hospital.”

Dickens of a time to help

Leisure Time Unlimited of Myrtle Beach also pegs its annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals weekend for early November, another outlet to help multiple local charities. The 31st show opens next Thursday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Ellen Harward from the Kiwanis Club of Myrtle Beach said the organization puts on Dickens’ Festival of Wreaths every year. The club finds sponsors for 50 wreaths, each decorated and customized by a local business, entity or individual.

“They’re beautiful,” Harward said. “The ones this year are gorgeous.”

Some sponsors dolly up the wreaths themselves, and others have them decorated professionally, such as by a florist, Harward said. Football has scored with three entries, one each to represent the Clemson Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers. Businesses also fill wreaths with gift certificates and products.

The Kiwanis Club spreads the wreaths on 50 red doors, and each wreath goes up for silent auction to benefit three Kiwanis-sponsored charities: Help 4 Kids, The Boys and Girls Club of Myrtle Beach, and Hope House of Myrtle Beach.

Harward said al the wreaths were passed out 3 1/2 weeks ago and the returns are rolling in this week.

“The place where I get my hair cut,” she said, “theirs is beautiful.”

The wreath bears jewelry and rings, she said, “like a piece of art.”

If you go

‘A Night Out at Barefoot’

With | Various local restaurants giving samples

Benefiting | North Strand Helping Hand

When | 4-9 p.m. Friday

Where | Barefoot Landing, on U.S. 17 on south end of North Myrtle Beach

How much | Wristband $5, or $4 with donation of two canned food items

Information | 272-8349 or www.barefootlanding.com

Red Tails Event

Honoring | The Tuskegee Airmen, an elite group of black pilots formed to fight for the United States in World War II.

What, when and where |

• Free screening of film “Red Tails,” 7 p.m. Friday in Howard Auditorium, 110 Hawkins St., Georgetown, south of city, near International Paper plant.

• Saturday: Young Eagle flights for children 9-11 a.m., model airplane demonstrations 11 a.m.-noon, and presentations by surviving Tuskegee Airmen members at noon, all at Georgetown County Airport, on U.S. 17, just south of Georgetown

How much | Free

Information | 545-3619 or 545-3164

‘Super Soup Cook-Off Challenge’

Benefiting | American Heart Association

Who | Various Myrtle Beach city departments competing in teams, preparing homemade soups

When | Noon Friday (cooking starts at 9 a.m.)

Where | Myrtle’s Market, at Mr. Joe White Avenue and Oak Street in Myrtle Beach

How much | $3 donation for soup tasting, including a soft drink

Information | 997-1716

Fifth annual Fall Festival

By | Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office

When | 6-9 p.m. Friday

Where | Brunswick County Government Center in Bolivia, N.C.

How much | Free

Information | Beth Boling at 910-253-2777

Cruise-ins/car shows

• Myrtle Beach Corvette Club, with all Corvette owners invited, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Myrtle Beach Chevrolet Cadillac, 1785 U.S. 501, Myrtle Beach, at Grissom Parkway. Free. 347-2019 or www.myrtlebeachcorvetteclub.com.

• Myrtle Beach Car Club, all free: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at St. Angelo IV Pizza, 1500 U.S. 17 Business N., Surfside Beach; and 2-6 p.m. Nov. 11 at Denny’s 124 Loyola Drive, near Firestone, along U.S. 17 Bypass, south of S.C. 544. 215-3849 or 742-9802.

• Hot Rod Promotions, for all cars, free: 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Joey Doggs, 1818 U.S. 17 Business N., near Surfside Beach and by Old Time Pottery; 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Myrtle Beach Moose Lodge 1959, 479 Burcale Road, in Forestbrook community; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Hyatt Buick-GMC, 922 Frontage Road E., Myrtle Beach, near U.S. 17 Bypass and Mr. Joe White Avenue; 2-5 p.m. Nov. 11 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10420, 4559 U.S. 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet; and noon-3 p.m. Nov. 17 at Rosa Linda’s Cafe, 3415 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet. 503-8245.

Community Yard Sale

Benefiting | American Legion Post 503 of Calabash, N.C.

When | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (rain date Nov. 17)

Where | Calabash Medical Center, 10081 Beach Drive (N.C. 179)

How much | Free

Information | 910-575-5037

Fall Craft Fair

When | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Where | Calabash Presbyterian Church. 8820 Old Georgetown Road, Sunset Beach, N.C.

How much | Free

Information | 910-287-5115

17th annual Village at Calabash Craft Fair

When | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Where | Village at Calabash clubhouse, 1099 N. Clubview Lane, Calabash, N.C., off Thomasboro Road between U.S. 17 and Calabash

How much | Free

Information | 910-579-3408

‘Park Volunteer Day’

When | 9 a.m. Saturday

Where | Myrtle Beach State Park Nature Center, on U.S. 17 Business, one mile south of Ocean Boulevard/Farrow Parkway.

How much | Free admission for participants

Also | Call 238-0874 to discuss interests and abilities on ways to help on projects for one to three hours

Information | www.myrtlebeachsp.com

Holiday Bazaar

Benefiting | Local charities

When | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Where | Trinity United Methodist Church, 706 14th Ave. S., North Myrtle Beach

How much | Free

Information | 272-5236

‘Bark For Life’

What | Walk with dogs

Benefiting | American Cancer Society

When | Saturday: registration and auction 9:30 a.m., opening ceremonies 10:30

Where | Vereen Gardens, on S.C. 179 in Little River, by C.B. Berry Community Center

How much | $15 advance, $20 day of event

Also | Contests including best dressed dog and best dog trick

Information | 249-4157, www.relayforlife.org/barknmbsc and cancer.org

26th annual SwampFest

When | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Where | Playcard Environmental Education Center, 10729 Highway 19 W., Loris

How much | Free admission

Includes | Horseback riding, swamp kayaking, hayrides, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, and survival lessons

Entertainers | Red White Band, and several bluegrass bands and other singers.

Information | 756-1277

Third annual Christmas Bazaar, Community Coat Drive and Barbecue

When | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Where | First United Methodist Church, 901 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

How much | Free

Information | 448-7164 or www.fumcmb.org

40th annual ‘Art in the Park’

By | Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild

When and where | Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.:

• Nov.3-4 in Myrtle Beach’s Chapin Park, at Ocean Boulevard and 16th Avenue North

• Nov. 10-11 in Myrtle Beach’s Valor Memorial Garden, at The Market Common on Farrow Parkway

How much | Free, and pet friendly

Information | 448-7690 or www.artsyparksy.com

Community Health & Safety Day

When | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Where | Homewood Elementary School, 108 N. Clemson Circle, Conway

Includes | Hair painting, games, Conway Police Department child safety fingerprinting, Conway Fire Department Safe House, and S.C. Highway Department driving simulator

How much | Free

Information | 369-6246

‘Gift and Craft Show’

Benefiting | Sons of Italy, Myrtle Beach Lodge 2662 of Socastee

When | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Where | At lodge, 7957 Moss Creek Road, Socastee, one block off S.C. 707, south of the U.S. Post Office branch

How much | Free

Information | 421-6419 or www.sonsofitalymb.com

Free Family Day

Celebrating | Mexican holiday “Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)” with the museum’s 10th annual commemoration

When | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Where | Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, 3100 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach

How much | Free

Includes | An artist’s altar; workshops for crafts such as masks, sugar skulls and colorful papel picado (cut paper banners); demonstrations and events including traditional Mexican dancing, music by a Mariachi band and a children’s piñata.

Also | Museum open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on this day

Information | 238-2510 or www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org

Second annual Hanser House Charity Seafood Festival

Benefiting | Tidelands Community Hospice of Georgetown (www.tidelandshospice.org)

When | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Where | Hanser House Restaurant, 14360 Ocean Highway N. (U.S. 17), Litchfield Beach

How much | $15 advance or $20 at door for ages 13 and older, and free for ages 12 and younger with purchase of ticket

Information | 235-3021 for Hanser House, 546-3410 for Tidelands

20th annual Arts Festival & Pauwau

By | Waccamaw Indian People

When | Open 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday

Where | Tribal grounds, 591 Bluewater Road, Aynor

How much | $6 ages 15-59, $3 ages 7-14 and 60 and older, and free ages 6 and younger and for veterans with veterans feather

Entertainment includes | Edisto River Singers, and dancers Brenda Bolin and Burke Lemmons

Information | 358-6877 or waccamawindians.us

‘Autumn Jazz Pizazz Fest’

When | noon-6 p.m. Saturday (rescheduled from Oct. 27)

Where | La Belle Amie Vineyard, 1120 St. Joseph Road, Little River, just west of North Myrtle Beach Middle School

Entertainment | Jazz Pizazz, Jazz Etc., and Peggy Buck

How much | $8 ages 18-79, otherwise free; also, bring two canned/dry food items for relay to area food banks for $3 discount.

Also | Island Fever Music Festival on Nov. 10 and “WineStock” Nov. 17

Information | 399-9463 or www.labelleamie.com

Third annual ‘Taste of Georgetown’

Benefiting | Family Justice Center, serving Georgetown County

With | More than 20 local restaurants, and two bands: the Four Closures, and the Highliners.

When | 1-4 p.m. Saturday

Where | Front Street and Francis Marion Park in downtown Georgetown

How much | Free admission, and for $1 food tickets with most samples costing 2-3 tickets

Information | 546-3926 or www.tasteofgeorgetownsc.com, and www.fjcgeorgetown.org

Fall Festival

When | 2-5 p.m. Saturday

Where | KidZone Daycare, 3480 McCormick Road, off Burcale Road, just west of Myrtle Beach, south of U.S. 501, by the former Hard Rock/Freestyle Amusement Park

How much | Free admission

Information | 236-1230

‘Rock the Block’

By | Journeychurch of Surfside Beach

When | 2-8 p.m. Saturday (rescheduled from Oct. 27)

Where | The Grand Theatre, 301 U.S. 17 Business S., Surfside Beach

Activities and entertainment include | Children’s inflatables, hay rides and performances by such artists as Beautiful Tension, Rod Burton, and cast members from “Dino’s TV Variety Show”

How much | Free

Information | 357-2100, www.journeychurchmb.com, 808-9188 or www.thegrandtheatre.us

Fall 2012 Exhibition

By | Coastal Carolina University Student Artist Society

When | 5-10 p.m. Saturday

Where | Cowork MYR, 601 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach

Includes | Live entertainment

How much | $5

Information | www.coastal.edu/art/clubs.html and www.coworkmyr.com

17th annual ‘Souper Supper’

What | Culinary competition and tasting event, with more than 40 Grand Strand restaurants and chefs

By | American Culinary Federation of Myrtle Beach chapter

Benefiting | Students at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Academy for Technology and Academics with scholarships to further their culinary careers.

When | noon-3 p.m. Sunday

Where | Myrtle Beach’s Valor Memorial Garden, on Farrow Parkway at The Market Common

How much | Advance online: $10 adults, $5 children, with $1 processing fee plus tax, or at gate: $12 and $7, respectively

Information | 283-2407 or www.myrtlebeachacf.com

Second annual “Howl-o-Ween Extravaganza” canine costume party

When | 3 p.m. Sunday

Where | Surfside Beach dog parks, along Willow Drive North, between First Avenue North and Pine Drive, across from Horry County Memorial Library Surfside Beach branch

How much | Free

Information | 450-4955

‘Fall Dance Showcase’

By | Litchfield Dance Company

When | 5 p.m. Sunday

Where | Litchfield Dance Arts Academy, 97 Otis Drive, Litchfield Beach, west of U.S. 17

How much | Free

Information | 237-7465 or www.litchfield-dance.com

31st annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals

By | Leisure Time Unlimited of Myrtle Beach

When | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 8-10 and noon-6 p.m. Nov. 11

Where | Myrtle Beach Convention Center, at Oak Street and 21st Avenue North

How much | $8.50 ages 13 and older, $4 ages 2-12; multiday pass $13.

Victorian Holiday Teas | At St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach, each with a solo production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Howard Burnham, and music by Suzanne and Jim:

• Dickens Luncheon Tea, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10, $34 ages 13 and older, $22 ages 2-12

• Dickens High Tea, 3:30-5 p.m. Nov. 9; $26 and $20, respectively

Also | Various special events, with sales benefiting respective charities, including:

• Festival of Tables – Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission

• Festival of Trees – Sons of Italy, to helping victims of domestic abuse

• Festival of Worlds – various local groups

• Festival of Wreaths – Kiwanis Club of Myrtle Beach, for Help 4 Kids, The Boys and Girls Club of Myrtle Beach, and Hope House of Myrtle Beach

• Santa’s Castle – Fostering Hope

Information | 448-9483, 800-261-5991, or www.dickenschristmasshow.com

Annual ‘Crafting by the Sea’ fair

When | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 9, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 11

Where | Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, at U.S. 17 and Eighth Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach

How much | Free

Information | 272-7288 or 249-2356

Fall Harvest And Syrup Day

When | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 10

Where | Horry County Museum’s L.W. Paul Living History Farm, 2279 Harris Shortcut Road, off U.S. 701, north of Conway.

How much | Free

Information | 915-5320, 365-3596 or www.horrycountymuseum.org

Fall Festival

Benefiting | The Learning Tree, just west of Surfside Beach

When | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 10 (rain date Nov. 17)

Where | Wachesaw ball field, on Old Kings Highway behind Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet

How much | $5 ages 12 and younger, otherwise free

Includes | Mickey Mouse Toddler Town inflatable, games with prizes, and a stilt-walker making balloons

Information | 602-2611 or ronda.fania@thelearningtreepta.com

17th annual Founders Day carnival benefit

By | Carolina Forest Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization

When | noon-4 p.m. Nov. 10

Where | at the school, 285 Carolina Forest Blvd.

How much | Free admission, with three different levels of tickets sold for different events

Information | 236-0001

Monthly ballroom dances

• Grand Strand USA Dance, Chapter 6024, 7-10 p.m. Nov. 10 at Myrtle Beach Base Recreation Center, in Veterans Day theme, includes music and cha-ha lesson by DJ Jim Sterner. Bring dish to share; beverages supplied; singles welcome; $7 members, otherwise $10. 808-3397 or www.usadancegrandstrand.org.

• Grand Strand Beach Ballroom Dancers, celebrating group’s 17th anniversary, 7-10 p.m. Nov. 17, with music by Harlequin at Grand Strand Senior Center, 1268 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach. $7; bring snacks for your table only; maximum eight people per table. 903-3765.

Annual ‘Walk for the Animals’

Benefiting | Grand Strand Humane Society, 3241 Mr. Joe White Ave. Extension, Myrtle Beach

When | 2 p.m. Nov. 11 (postponed from Oct. 27)

Where | Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach

How much | $5

Also | Belated Halloween pet contests, with $25 entry fee

Information | 918-4913 or www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com

‘2012 River Celebration’

Benefiting | Winyah Rivers Foundation’s Winyah Riverkeeper Program

When | 5-9 p.m. Nov. 11

Where | The Riverside Club, 1793 Riverside Drive, Conway, off S.C. 90

How much | $35, and $20 students with ID

Includes | Music by Jesse Rice, a boat ride and a falconry demonstration

Information | 349-4007 or www.winyahrivers.org

Eighth annual St. Nicholas Winter Festival

What and when | Nov. 15-17:

• Taste of Conway, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 15

• Cook-off competition, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 16

• Winterfest Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 17

• Barbecue Cook-off by S.C. BBQ Association, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 17

Where | Peanut Warehouse in downtown Conway

How much | Taste of Conway:$5 for two tickets advance online or $5 for one at door; cook-off: wristband for samples on Nov. 17 $10; arts fair: free.

Information | 737-0088 or www.stnicholaswinterfest.com.

Indoor Yard Sale

Benefiting | Zonta Foundation of Myrtle Beach

When | 1-8 p.m. Nov. 17 (rescheduled from Oct. 27)

Where | The X Sports Center, 568 George Bishop Parkway, just west of Myrtle Beach, between U.S. 501 and U.S. 17 Bypass

How much | Free

Information | 446-1175

18th annual ‘Arts By The Shore’

By | Oak Island Parks & Recreation, and Oak Island Art Guild

When | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 17, with reception and awards 2-4 p.m. Nov. 18

Where | Oak Island Recreation Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, N.C.

How much | Free admission

Information | 910-278-5518 or www.oakislandnc.com

Fifth annual ‘Horry County Dancing with the Stars’

Benefiting | Horry County K-12 Foundation and Business/Education Expectations (BE2) Partnership/ Early College High School, based at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway(www.horrycountybe2.com)

When | 8 p.m. Nov. 17 (doors open 7 p.m.)

Where | Grande Dunes Marina Inn in Myrtle Beach

How much | Vote for a favorite dancer for $10 at www.horrydancing.com; $125 single tickets for gala, or $3,000 for table for 12

Information | Marsha Griffin at 449-9675 or 457-8774, or email her at pupae@sccoast.net

Sixth annual ‘Grand Strand Turkey Trot’

Benefiting | Arthritis Foundation and YMCA

What and when | Nov. 22: 1 mile at 8:30 a.m., 8K and 5K each 9 a.m., and Tot Trot 10:15 a.m.

Where | Myrtle Beach’s Grand Park, on Farrow Parkway, across from The Market Common

Registration | Advance signup closes Nov. 15 by U.S. mail, Nov. 21 online

How much | Advance and opening 6:30 a.m. race day, respectively: 8K $30 and $35, 5K $28 and $33, 1 mile $25 and $30, and Tot Trot $5 either way.

Information | mbturkeytrotrun.racesonline.com

43rd annual S.C. State Bluegrass Festival

When | Nov. 22-24

Where | Myrtle Beach Convention Center, at Oak Street and 21st Avenue North

Scheduled entertainers |

• Nov. 22 – A Deeper Shade of Blue at 1 and 6 p.m., Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa1:45 and 6:45, Jesse McReynolds and the VA Boys 2:30 and 7:30, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out 3:15 and 8:15, and Longview – 4:10 and 9:10.

• Nov 23 – The Farmhand Quartet 11 a.m. and 5:10 p.m., Don Rigsby and Midnight Call 11:45 a.m. and 5:50 p.m., Goldwing Express 12:30 and 6:35 p.m., Al Batten and the Bluegrass Reunion 1:15 and 7:15, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio 2 and 8, Doyle Larson and Quicksilver 2:45 and 8:45, and J.D. Crowe and The New South 3:45 and 9:45.

• Nov. 24 – Big Country Bluegrass 11 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., Appalachian Express 11:45 a.m. and 6 p.m., Darin and Brooke Aldridge 12:30 and 9 p.m., The Little Roy and Lizzy Show 1:15 and 6:45, Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top Express – 2 and 9:45, and Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys 7:30, for one show only.

How much | Daily: $35 general admission and $40 reserved seating for ages 16 and older, or $85 and $95, respectively, for a three-day pass; $20/$25 daily for ages 7-15, or $45/$50 for three-day pass

Also | $3 parking daily

Next year | 44th annual festival set for Nov. 28-30, 2013

Information | 706-864-7203 or www.adamsandandersonbluegrass.com/South-Carolina-State-Bluegrass-Festival.html

Rummage and Holiday Bake Sale

Benefiting | Local church programs, philanthropic outreach and student scholarship

When | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1

Where | St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 3301 33rd Ave. N. Extension, Myrtle Beach, at U.S. 17 Bypass

How much | Free

Also | Learn how to make Greek baklava 2-3 p.m. Nov. 30 and galatoboureko (custard-filled filo pastry) 2-3 p.m. Dec. 1.

Information | 399-8955, 448-3773 or www.stjohn-mb.org

Contact STEVE PALISIN at 444-1764.