By Presidential proclamation, October is National Arts and Humanities Month. In this month, everyone is encouraged to celebrate the richness of fine art, music, dance, drama, design and writing. That includes providing children with education that inspires as it informs.

With that in mind, here are some weekend picks:

A symphonic milestone. The Racine Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 80th season on Saturday, Oct. 22. Having its own symphony is something that really helps set the Racine area apart from other communities. The celebration concert is at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave. Guest artist is Ian Maksin, a Russian-born cellist who has been giving presentations at local schools and churches this past week.  Tickets are $23 for adults; $20 for seniors; $5 for students ages 13 through 21; kids 12 and younger are free. For tickets and information, visit: www.racinesymphony.org

Fun and art.  "Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads" opens this weekend at the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St. This exhibition, which runs through Feb. 5, includes more than 200 items, including jewelry and furniture, all using polymers - or plastics - as the primary material. The "Polymer Playroom" is open from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, to give children and their families the opportunity to discover hands-on projects like beads, figurines and magnets. Polymer artist Tory Hughes will be giving demonstrations.

Pre-Halloween.  Bring your carved pumpkin and wear your costume to Monument Mash, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Monument Square downtown. This free, family event will include face painting, games, a bounce house, a DJ playing haunted hits and a pumpkin carving exhibition. A pumpkin contest is at 3 p.m. and a costume contest is at 3:30 p.m. Prizes include gift certificates from the Downtown Racine Corp.

Looking ahead. Real Racine Skeleton Skamper - Southeastern Wisconsin's ONLY costumed race is coming next Saturday, Oct. 29 to the Mount Pleasant Village Center. It features a half-marathon, a 5k run/walk and the Ruud Lighting trick or treat walk. To register, visit: www.realracine.com

Enjoy your fall weekend! Visit www.realracine.com or "like" us at Facebook/realracine.