Around the Block

Candidates' forum

An Aiken County school board candidates' forum will be held at 7 p.m. Monday in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St., Aiken.

Written questions for the candidates may be submitted in advance to publiced@bellsouth.net.

For more information, call (803) 641-1111.

An Atomic blast

The Atomic City Festival will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday behind City Hall, 200 S. Main St., New Ellenton.

The festival will feature rides, games, food, music, an antique car and motorcycle show and a chili cook-off. The festival will conclude with fireworks on Saturday night.

For more information, call (803) 507-3660.

Organ concert

A concert featuring organist Frederick Swann will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at St. John's United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. N.W.

The free concert is part of the Under the Steeple series. Donations will be accepted.

For more information, call (803) 648-6891.

Training classes

The Aiken Guardian ad Litem Program will offer a training class for volunteers from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Oct. 13 through Nov. 13, at 5170 Woodside Executive Court, Aiken.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Gary Watson or Christy Pritchard at (803) 648-9919 or galaiken@oepp.sc.gov.

For more information, visit www.aiken.scgal.org.

Wine with art

A Taste of Wine and Art will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St.

The fundraiser, which will benefit the center's general operations, will showcase the culinary talents of area chefs along with an array of wines from different producers. A silent auction featuring original art and other items will be held.

Tickets are $50 and can be bought in advance at the center or at the door on the evening of the event.

For more information, call (803) 641-9094.

Music in the park

Music at the Park featuring the Kings of Swing will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Pavilion in Boeckh Park, Hammond's Ferry, 89 Crystal Lake Drive, North Augusta.

The free concert is outdoors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information, call (803) 613-1641.

Colonial history

Colonial Times: A Day to Remember will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Living History Park, 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta.

The free event will feature demonstrations and exhibits such as pottery-making, blacksmithing, musket-firing and candle-making

For more information, call (803) 279-7560 or visit www.colonialtimes.us.

Working for food

Golden Harvest Food Bank is seeking donations of canned meats and vegetables and other nonperishable food items. Take donations to 13 Enterprise Ave., Aiken, or 3310 Commerce Drive, Augusta.

The Aiken branch can be reached at (803) 648-0752. The Augusta office can be reached at (706) 736-1199.