Exercise Your Muscles, Ears, and Stomach This Week in the Square

Well, we may have closed the book on another season of the Carnegie Library's Tuesday Reading Room program in Market Square this week, but there's still plenty of events happening in our favorite Square. The Market Square Farmers Market still has the freshest produce Downtown every Thursday starting at 10:00 a.m., as well as hot new music acts playing from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. through November 8. The autumn harvest brings a bumper crop of beets, apples, potatoes and other farm fresh ingredients that are perfect for comfort food recipes as the cooler temperatures take hold. Enjoy a selection of delicious prepared foods this Thursday, along with a free concert by one of the most popular local rock, blues and jazz cover bands, Valentino & the Avengers.

Sometimes you might think you'd want to live a dog's life, running in the woods and chasing squirrels all day. The truth is - too many dogs, cats and other creatures lead lives filled with nothing but neglect, abuse and pain. Well, now you can do something to ease your mind and body - and help hundreds of lovable four-legged friends in need.

This coming Sunday, October 14, Moxie Mind and Body, located above NOLA in the Square, will offer a "Class for a Cause." The first class is offered at 2:00 p.m. and another at 3:00 p.m. Stretch out those limbs to benefit the good work at Animal Friends.  The Pilates instruction is free, but donations to help the canines, felines and other creatures at Animal Friends will be put to good use finding abandoned and unwanted pets a new, loving home. You don't need to be a Pilates expert, the Moxie staff will help you stretch a few muscles and limbs as your extend a helping hand to a few of the animals friends who will be on hand for adoption.

A Design SPLASH and Latino Fest in the Square

Now that summer's over, most of us will be spending more time indoors. Which means it might just be the right time to start thinking about a few home makeover projects. Well, there's no better source of inspiration to be found around town than in Market Square Today, Wednesday October 3, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. That's when Design Squared returns to the Square with a new lineup of top-shelf kitchen and bath products, design advice and classes from local and national experts, some great giveaways and the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the Square.

Hosted by the kitchen, bath and lighting pros from SPLASH, which just happens to be located on the corner of Fifth and Market, Design Squared showcases luxury items from Axor, Hillmon and Vangura in an outdoor setting open to the public. Along with the latest trends, Design Squared features a live cooking demonstration and certified courses for local designers looking to enhance their credentials. After the public portion of the event, attendees can stroll to the SPLASH showroom for a champagne reception, more classes and dinner.

Speaking of style, the city celebrates Hispanic Heritage month with a hot, hot, hot party in the Square on Friday from noon-8 p.m. Sponsored by the mayor's office and city councilman Daniel Lavelle, who represents Downtown's residents and businesses. The Fair in Market Square celebrates Latino culture, music and cuisine with performance by local musicians and artists, amazing food from area Hispanic restaurants and goods from the city's growing number of Hispanic merchants. Among the performers are Jorge Delgado and Melissa Alliston, Aqui Tango, the Guaracha Latin Dance Band and Machete Kisumontao. Authentic Mexican cuisine will be served by Silvi's of the South Side, and the Ujamaa Collective, Latino Family Center and Rite Aid will be on hand to provide health-related advice. Free and open to the public, the Fair in Market Square is part of the city's week-long schedule of activities honoring our Hispanic neighbors and their contributions to the region.