Most kids enjoy picking out pumpkins. But recently at Smolak Farms, babies Sophia DeCologero and Madelyn McKallagat enjoyed being part of the pumpkin patch.

The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is promoting cat adoptions by waiving all adoption fees for adult cats this weekend. Here are just a few of the feline friends they have available. Call 978-687-7453 for more information.

Windrush Farm's slogan is "Changing lives, one stride at a time, one smile at a time". Windrush is a non-profit horse farm. It specializes in instructing physically, emotionally, and learning disabled people of all ages to work with and ride horses. Every year, Windrush provides activiteis for over 1,000 adults and children. The farm was opened in 1964. Visit the farm's website by clicking here.

Throughout the summer, the Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a canoeing program at Harold Parker State Forest. Park interpreter Bob Anderson teaches basic canoe handling and safety and takes you out on the water to explore the park. The group meets at the Lorraine Campground location on Jenkins Road. There are age restrictions and you must call ahead to register at 978-475-7972. The next outings are Thursday, Aug. 18 from 3 to 5 pm and Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10am to noon. 

Even the threat of thunderstorms didn't stop North Andover from coming out. And what a great night to be out, to meet and greet and just say hi to friends. Small businesses of North Andover took front row and lined up on the track of Hayes Memorial Stadium at North Andover Middle School giving out free samples of their businesses. The North Andover Police and Fire departments entertained lots and lots of little ones -- teaching children how to spray a fire hose, letting kids sit in a real police car, and giving fast rides on ATVs with the lights and sirens (which was a big hit). If you missed…

The fireworks celebration was delayed due to weather, but Saturday and Sunday there were still plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy. Take a look at some of the celebration on North Andover Common.

As a part of the 4th of July celebrations, band "Moody Like A Girl" performed several songs for North Andover Saturday on the Common. Visit their Web site to learn more: http://www.moodylikeagirl.com. Also on Saturday, Magician Brian Christie shocked and amazed the audience with his mind-blowing tricks.

North Andover's Friday night carnival brought in many families and friends, who enjoyed the 4th of July festivities.

Longtime North Andover Town Manager Mark Rees is headed to Maine to take the position as city manager in the city of Portland. His friends and colleagues had a send-off celebration at Town Hall with guest speaker State Rep. David Torrisi.

Smolak Farms held their First Annual Family Farm Festival Saturday. We stopped by to grab some photos of the action. There were alpacas, bunnies, and lots of farm crafts from a large variety of vendors from all over New England.

The Annie L. Sargent Elementary School has constructed a new vegetable garden for the students. Teachers are including time in the garden into their classroom schedule. The project is planned to be expanded with an additional bed and an irrigation system. Eventually each class will have their own section of plants. The plant beds were contructed with money raised by student fundraisers and are the culmination of a schoolwide effort. The school hosted an opening ceremony Monday, June 13, to celebrate the completion of the garden. Take a look at some photos of Mrs. McManus' kindergarten class …

Check out these animals and more at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen. See a new pal you like? Or want to inquire about others? Call 978-687-7453 or visit their Web site.

I was born and raised right here in North Andover so, needless to say, the whole town is a place I call home; and although I now live in Salem most months out of the year for school, I always come home, back to my roots. A big part of this place we all call home is Weir Hill. Whether you run, walk your dog or just go there to relax, everyone in North Andover has some sort of tie to Weir Hill. The first time I went up Weir Hill I was in a backpack, my big childlike eyes taking in the scenery, unaware of what it would mean to me in my growing years and afterwards. In the following years I would…

North Andover got new wheels this week. At the Fire Department, the new engine truck the town approved at last fall's Special Town Meeting arrived. It's a 2010 Pierce Arrow XT BLS Engine. The second vehicle, a ladder truck, is expected to arrive within a couple weeks. Check out these photos of the new truck.

Last weekend North Andover held its annual Sheep Shearing Festival on the Old Common. Here are some photos of the event, which was a success despite the cool, damp weather.

North Andover had its annual Sheep Shearing Festival Sunday. Crowds gathered on the Old Common to watch sheep shearing and herding as well as to visit the many vender booths and eat local food. Here are some photos from the event.

Take a peek at some photos we rounded up at Smolak Farm's Dog Day. All proceeds from the event were contributed to the MSPCA.

North Andover looked great on a beautiful May day at their home courts during their match against Andover.

Larry Peacock moved five years ago from Malibu California to oversee the Rolling Ridge as the Executive Director. While walking through the property he pointed out the grounds were designed by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele. The property covers 38 acres on an isolated peninsula extending into the town resevoir, Lake Cochichewick. The center offers a wide number of programs for individual retreats, spiritual groups and business meetings. The estate was a private home in the 1920s that belonged to Ethan Allen and the property is now owned by the United Methodist Church. The …

North Andover and Middleton battled on the turf Saturday. The home team Hurricanes defeated the Middleton Galaxy. Take a look at some photos of the players out on the field.