Hello, valley neighbors! It’s time to check in on our trivia challenge. We hope you had a chance to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day as you pondered last week's question about the holiday's historical roots.

The question was:

Veterans Day commemorates which historical event?

A) The signing of the Treaty of Versailles
B) The end of World War II
C) The armistice that ended fighting in World War I
D) The armistice of the Korean War

Did you lock in your guess? Find out the correct answer here!

Discover how Rudolph became a legend! The Unionville Museum’s new exhibit showcases the 1939 origins of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, featuring original storyboard copies, vintage decorations, and festive displays. Don’t miss the opening reception on Sunday, November 16th 2–4 PM, with a gallery talk at 3 PM.

Thanksgiving is next week, but we’re sharing this a bit early so you have time to register, plan your route, and maybe even squeeze in a few practice runs. The holiday is about food, family, and sneaking in a football game or movie after the feast. Personally, I love Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a classic John Hughes film about traveling home for Thanksgiving with Steve Martin and John Candy, a great comedy duo.

As the holiday approaches, many neighbors get a head start on the festivities by adding a little motion to the mix. Some ease into the season such as a fun run the week before, while others save their miles for Thanksgiving morning. However you approach it, there’s something about greeting the holiday, with a shakeout jog or a full 5K, that makes that second helping of mashed potatoes taste even better.

If you’re looking to join in, here are several local options, from a warm up run ahead of the holiday to the main events on Thanksgiving morning:

Fleet Feet Turkey Trivia Fun Run (West Hartford)
Consider this your warm-up before the holiday races. Held the week before Thanksgiving, this casual run offers two route options: a shorter 1–2 mile loop or a longer 3–4 mile route. The run begins at 6:15 PM at Fleet Feet on Farmington Avenue, with ASICS cohosting. Join the pre-run stretch out front, then stick around afterward for refreshments and turkey trivia. Winning teams take home ASICS swag. Visibility gear is recommended due to early sunset times.

Falcon 5K Turkey Trot (Avon)
Hosted by the Avon High School Booster Club at Thompson Brook School. 9 AM start, strollers welcome, and proceeds support student athletes and scholarships. A spirited, family-friendly tradition.

O’BRiley 5K Turkey Trot (Collinsville)
Starts at 9 AM from the Rails-to-Trails path near Crown & Hammer. Registration includes a T-shirt, with discounts for groups of three or more. 100% of proceeds go to St. Jude’s and the Canton Food Bank. A community favorite that drew more than 400 participants last year.

For the Walkers & Hikers
If racing isn’t your thing, the Valley’s trails make a perfect pre-feast outing. Pick a route, gather the family, and enjoy a brisk loop at the West Hartford Reservoir, a climb up Talcott Mountain, or a peaceful stroll through Stratton Brook. For more ideas, see our past trail mix issue, and start planning your Thanksgiving morning adventure early.

Whether you’re chasing a finish line, or simply strolling your favorite neighborhood path, carving out time to move on Thanksgiving morning sets the tone for the whole day. The miles (or steps) may be short, but the tradition is one worth savoring, right alongside the pumpkin pie.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.