It looks to be a great fall weekend ahead, with community cuisine and good times.

The weekend starts early for some. The students in the Dexter Public Schools will not report for classes on Friday, Oct. 21. Friday is a Professional Day for district teachers, and students will get to enjoy the day out of the classroom!

The Dexter Bearcats will travel Friday evening to New Madrid for a great evening of football. Kick-off time for the district game is 7 p.m. Better bundle up! The forecast for game time calls for clear skies and a  "feels like" temperature of 48 degrees.

Kiwanis Pancake Day: The Kiwanians in Dexter are Pancake Wizards!For more than 45 years the Dexter Kiwanis Club has had this annual autumn event and through the years they have become experts about all things “pancake”!! This year’s Pancake Day begins bright and early Saturday morning at 6 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Hall. Pancakes hot off the grill, bacon and your choice of drink comes with your $4 ticket.

Third Annual D.A.R.E. Rod & Custom Car Show: The D.A.R.E.event will begin with registration at 9 a.m. Saturday on the parking lot of the Dexter Aquatic Center. Judging will be held at 11 a.m. and award presentations at 3 p.m. The cost to register is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Dexter D.A.R.E. Program

8th Annual Billy Pat Wright Fish Fry:  State Rep. Billy Pat Wright will be hosting a Fish Fry beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Central Elementary School in Dexter. Special guests include U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, Missouri Senate Leader Sen. Rob Mayer, Missouri House Speaker Rep. Steve Tilley and more. The social time will begin at 5:30; dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and include fish dinner, dessert and drinks. For more information call 573.624.7561 or 573.624.5997.

Annual Bess Truman Day: Hosted annually by the Stoddard County Democratic Women’s Club, this year’s Bess Truman Day will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Hidden Trails Country Club in Dexter. State Rep. and Missouri state senate candidate Terry Swinger (and Dexter native!) is the keynote speaker.

Demolition Derby: A Demolition Derby will be held beginning at 7 p.m. at the Stoddard County Fairgrounds. This event will be held rain or shine! For additional information contact Kevin Holman at 573.625.8650.

The BUZZ is back: The local band sensation The BUZZ will be performing from 7 - 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Boat House Wine Company north of Bloomfield.