Prepping for the first weekend in November? Squeeze in every outdoor moment you can before the nice fall weather turns cold… fast. Go check out Punkin Chunkin, hang out on the deck at Fager’s Island, go running at Cape Henlopen State Park, support a cause, or go Christmas shopping this weekend on the Eastern Shore. Socially Speaking, here are a few awesome events to check out…

Punkin Chunkin

It’s time for the yearly pumpkin-launching event known as Punkin Chunkin!  During this weekend-long tradition, dozens of pumpkin-hurling teams compete to see who has created the ultimate pumpkin throwing machine.

Pumpkin Chunkin takes place on November 4 – 6, 2011 in Bridgeville, DE. Adult tickets cost $10 per person per day. Children 10 and under are free. Parking is included in each ticket fee, unless you are hauling an oversized vehicle or have a trailer. Wear warm shoes, preferably waterproof boots, because the ‘parking lot’ is actually just a large, rough, plowed cornfield in the middle of nowhere. Gates open at 7:30 am each day and competitions begin at 8 am. Events like concerts, contests, pageants, and chunkin continue until about 7 pm each night.

The event, which has caught world-wide attention in recent years, will be broadcast on Thanksgiving Day if you aren’t able to attend this year. Watch the special Thanksgiving simulcast on the Discovery Channel or Science Channel on Thursday, November 24th at 8 pm.

You Don’t Know Jack

Fager’s Island (59th Street & Bayside, Ocean City) is hosting a Fallfest this weekend. Both Friday night and Saturday are jam-packed with exciting things to do.

‘You Don’t Know Jack’ is an event that involves whiskey tastings, good food, cold locally-brewed beer, and live music. The Saltwater Stringband, a band of bluegrass-lovers including Nate Clendenen of the Electric Company, with be preforming with special guest Merl Johnson. Johnson is from Galax, VA and will be playing multiple instruments to amplify the already great Stringband.

Also playing live at the event will be Chester River Runoff, who happens to be cruising through OC and stopping at Fager’s Island to get the crowd foot-stomping around the dance floor. Chester River Runoff is a bluegrass band bringing warm spirits to any venue they fill with music. Catch the band while enjoying drinks on the Fager’s deck once last time this season.

Just show up to ‘You Don’t Know Jack’ around 7 pm on Friday, November 4th. The event is free, not even a cover to get in. The Jack Daniel’s whiskey tasting, including No. 7 Black Label, Single Barrel, Gentleman Jack, and Tennessee Honey whiskey, is $10. Guests can also taste Jack Daniels infused hot BBQ for $10 or enjoy a pink of any Evo Craft beer for $5 a pint.

Tails on the Trails

On Saturday, November 5th, a 5k fun and 1 mile fun run will take place at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE. Known as ‘Tails on the Trails’, this 4th annual race benefits the Safe Heaven Animal Sanctuary of Sussex County. Safe Haven is a no-kill animal shelter in eastern Delaware. Registration for the race starts at 8 am. Pre-register for $15 or register at the event for $20. Children age 9 and under can enter the race for $9. Look for signs to direct you to the starting line and registration booth after passing through the state park entrance. Runners, walkers, and some pets will take their first step towards the finish line at 9 am.

Shell-Shocked

On Saturday, November 5th, Fager’s Island will present Shell-Shocked outside on the deck overlooking the bay. The 2nd annual event will feature live music from Opposite Direction and friends. Shell-Shocked is a place to enjoy great beer while eating delicious local oysters.

Tickets for Shell-Shocked 2011 are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.  The party starts at 1 pm and ends at 5 pm. The ticket price includes all-you-can-eat oysters. Choose from raw, steamed or fried oysters. Local guest chefs will be whipping up special oyster creations during the event. Five types of Evo beers will be available in unlimited quantities. Craft beer, served in a collector's pink glass, goes fantastically with BBQ ribs and chicken.

Jammin’ Out for Cancer

Even though October Breast Cancer Awareness month has come to an end, local cancer groups are still teaming together to raise money for breast cancer research, education, and patient services, as part of the Pink Ribbon Classic. On November 4th, get together for a fun Friday on the town, with other area locals caught ‘Jammin’ Out for Cancer’ at Seacrets.

Partake in a jazzy evening of live bands, a silent auction filled with nice prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and plenty of good food. From 5 – 9 pm guests can listen to hit music from generations past. Oh Boy! will play Buddy Holly covers from the ‘50’s, Groovement will play disco tunes from the ‘70’s, and the Chest Pains will play classic rock covers from the ‘80’s.

A $20 donation will be collected at the door. Once inside guests can sample ‘A Taste of Ocean City’. Favorite foods from around town will be offered throughout the night. Raffle tickets will be sold and bids can be placed on silent auction items all until 8 pm.

Christmas Craft Expo & Fine Art Show

The Christmas Craft Expo and Fine Art Show is the place to pick up original, unique, and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for the upcoming holiday. On Saturday and Sunday, November 5 – 6, the Ocean City Convention Center (40th Street, Bayside) is the place to be if you’re looking for hand-made items. This expo attracts neatly 6,000 visitors each year. The Fine art show showcases exquisite paintings, sculptors, photographers, and high craft artisans. Admittance to the expo is $5 for adults, $4 for students, and children under the age of 12 are free.