It’s the Weekend Hartford! Celebrate With A Slew of Choices!

A car show, some big thinkers, a cook-off and a little dose of Christmas are on hand for you this weekend, the last before the holiday season officially begins.

Thursday, the CT Forum will host its “Big Thinkers” program at the Bushnell featuring best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell  and noted historian and author Douglas Brinkley . The two will offer their own insights on what happens when big thinkers flex their brains and how big ideas  are understandable and accessible.  Show starts at 8 p.m Information: ctforum.org

Are you more into politics? You might want to head over to the Mark Twain House & Museum Thursday where political satirist Mark Russell will be giving his take on the absurd state of politics today at “Mark Russell: the Laughter of Politics.” Information: 860-280-3130.

Dreaming of new wheels? The Connecticut Auto Show opens at the Connecticut Convention Center Thursday. But on Friday beginning at 5 p.m. Cadillac will sponsor “Heels and Wheels,”  a special event for women who want to peruse the show while getting  the inside scoop on buying a car without a guy. 

Women are invited to bring a gently used pair of shoes or heels that will be donated to Goodwill for women in need. The donation translates into a $2 discount on the price of the show tickets and a free “pink beverage.”  There will be free make-up demonstrations. There will also be a jewelry boutique with proceed going to the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association’s Foundation which  donates to over 31 charities in the state)

Speaking of Thanksgiving, wouldn’t you love to be able to do most of your Thanksgiving shopping at one place, all while supporting CT farmers and vendors? Well, Hartford’s Farmers’ Markets have been working hard to make that wish come true by organizing the 3rd Annual Hartford Harvest Farmers’ Market on Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Knox Parks Greenhouse located at 75 Laurel St.

You’ll find all the traditional makings for Thanksgiving  dinner including potatoes, apples, pumpkins, carrots, greens, eggs, a variety of cheeses, coffee, pies, cupcakes, beans, and for the table, great craft items! There will be live music and kids activities. Don’t worry about the weather because this market will be indoors at the Knox Greenhouses.
 Information: hartfordfood.org

Speaking of food, also on Saturday, four remaining chefs will battle it out at Vito’s by the Park in Hartford  in the ”So You Think You Can Cook 2″ competition. The battle began with nine  local chefs and after a series of cook-offs, four remain for the grand finale which will be filmed at the restaurant before a live audience.

 “We’re closing down Vito’s by the Park this Saturday from 11a.m. to 2p.m. for the filming of this great event,” said Chef/Owner Rob Maffucci.  A limited number of tickets are available for $25 each with proceeds being donated to Make-A-Wish CT. The winner of the cook-off receives  a privately catered, in-home dinner for a party of ten. information: vitosct.com

And if you are looking for “A Little Night Music” and more, head over to the Bushnell where the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will perform the music of Pulitzer, Grammy and Tony award winner Steven Sondheim. Guest conductor is Tim Stella. Information: hartfordsymphony.org

And if you need a little Christmas during this Thanksgiving season, the lights go on this weekend at the Holiday Light Fantasia at Goodwin Park. The drive-through display, benefiting the Channel 3 Kids Camp, continues through Jan. 6.