Last day to vote early is Saturday, October 31. Make sure you take advantage of your right to vote. If you didn't vote early, don't miss your chance on Tuesday, November 3rd at your local precinct.

There is lots to during the month of November in our area.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place on weekends through November 22 and has something for everyone.

South Pacific will be at Belk Theater at various times November 10-15 and Neil Simon's Plaza Suite will be at CPCC's Halton Arena November 13-14 and 20-22.

If you are looking for theater for the younger crowd, try Elmo's Green Thumb at Bojangles Coliseum November 12-15.

And don't miss the annual Southern Chrismas Show from November 11-22.

There is plenty more fun too. For additional information about any of these events plus lots more to do, visit http://teamhoneycutt.com/local_events?v=m&m=10&d=28&y=2009

For one day only, the Oasis Shrine Circus will be at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord, NC. Performances are at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Make it a perfect day with a trip to the circus, a nap and then a night of Trick-or-Treating. Tickets are just $10 for adults. For more information, visit www.oasisshriners.org

Make plans to attend the 26th annual Barbecue Festival in Lexington on Saturday, October 24, 2009. There is lots to do and more than 100,000 people are expected to attend. In addition to eating barbecue, there is entertainment throughout the day including Jim Quick & Coastline, Big Kenny, Eddie Miles, Chairmen of the Board and Band of Oz. The festival begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.barbecuefestival.com/home.html

80th annual community event at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church's Community House on Thursday, October 22. After many years, this annual event has become a tradition in North Carolina. Politicians come out to greet the attendees and enjoy the fellowship as well. Don't miss this fun day. 11400 Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte. For more information, visit www.mallardcreekbbq.com

The 32nd annual Woolly Worm Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday October 17 and 18 at the Banner Elk Elementary School in downtown Banner Elk. Hours are Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 5-12. Kids are 5 are admitted free. There is lots to do at the festival. You have your usual vendors with crafts and food plus rides, a One Mile Fun Wun and a 5 Mile Woolly Worm Woad Wace and the big highlight of the event is the Woolly worm races. For more information, visit www.woollyworm.com

With rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, the Children's Theatre of Charlotte has added three additional performances of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Many shows are already sold out but the added performances will give you the opportunity to get your tickets. There are still tickets available for the show Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. as well as added shows Sunday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m.

Don't miss this chance to be dazzled by Disney's Beauty and the Beast. For more information, visit www.ctcharlotte.org

Visit the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC October 9-10 for Disney's A Christmas Carol Train Tour. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime attraction for guests of all ages. You can go behind the scenes and look at the magic and cutting edge technology of the upcoming movie "Disney's A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey. This event is totally free.

• See a sneak peek of the film in the 3D theatre
• Get a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie
• See Charles Dickens artifacts
• Morph your face into characters from the movie

Visit www.christmascaroltraintour.com for more information.

Despite the tough economic times we are facing, the Carolinas first Ritz-Carlton opened this week in Center City Charlotte. Will the hotel be as successful as it would had it opened a few years ago? Maybe not. But the 146 room hotel will probably get by. Rooms start at around $249 a night, which is reasonable if it means you can do business in the city without rental car and taxi expenses. Sure, there are plenty of hotels in Center City Charlotte but the Ritz has the name that a lot of travelers are looking for. The hotel is hoping for a 75 percent occupancy rate in October. Hopefully, they will get that!