It's Thanksgiving weekend, the real beginning of fall, and just a little over three weeks to Halloween. Love October. It has a great beginning and a great ending. We can start by being thankful for who we are, and end the month by choosing a different character to become for a few hours.

Golly, that sounds like the same elements needed for a great show on the stage - a great beginning and a wowzer ending. So let's really enjoy this magical month as see what else we can add to the menu besides turkey and treats.

¡Viva Surrey! is a showcase of Latin American culture presented by Surrey Christmas Bureau on Oct.

15 at Espirito Santo Hall, 12918 112th Ave., Surrey. Four major performing groups, all based in Surrey, will provide traditional music and dance.

The event will begin with the influence of old Spain, with Flamenco del Mar performing several passionate songs and dances. To represent what was happening in the New World, Alejandro Ruiz and his group will perform traditional Mayan marimba music. As the centuries passed, the lovely art of the tango developed. The dancers of Portal al Tango, led by Bobbi and Patricia Lusic, will glide across the floor and encourage audience participation.

The evening also features the beats of Moviendolo, a salsa band headed by Surrey resident Edwin Martinez. Hey, I know most of these people. Fancy that. Local restaurant Taqueria Jalisco will provide traditional food for sale. My fave. This is looking good.

"Each year, more and more people from Latin America move to our city," says K.C. Gilroy, co-ordinator of Surrey Christmas Bureau. "¡Viva Surrey! is a perfect place to learn more about our neighbours and their culture, have lots of fun and support a good cause all at the same time." The good time includes a silent auction, prize draws and a chance to try your best salsa moves. Uh-oh - I don't have any salsa moves.

Surrey Christmas Bureau helped 1,600 families last year, including 5,000 children. The bureau expects to register closer to 2,000 families this year. Funds raised at events such as ¡Viva Surrey! are greatly needed to ensure that every family in our city has access to toys and gifts for their children, and nutritious food for the holidays. Tickets for the event are only $15; call now to get yours, 604-581-9623. I am so thankful that we have artists who will donate their time and talents to help others.

Also high on the "thanks" list is all the opportunities we have to indulge ourselves in the performing arts. Find something you love doing, and, well, just do it. So right now, I have to say thanks to Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society for letting me perform with them. I love it, and also appreciate the fact that rehearsals and performances are close to home.

Vagabond Players are holding auditions for their Christmas presentation, Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge, directed by Katherine Bethell. Auditions are Oct. 16-17 in New Westminster, from 7 to 10 p.m. Performances are Dec. 15 to Jan. 7. For details, email kbethell@shaw.ca. At least, if you are cast in the show, you will not have to wonder what to do with all your free time from Thanksgiving to Halloween. What a treat.

melminty@telus.net