The town's park and recreation department will hold its 31st annual Arts and Crafts Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mansfield High School. There will be more than 72 exhibitors, baked foods prepared by the Mansfield High School Grid Iron Club, food being served by the Mansfield School Department Food Service and several community services organizations in the cafeteria, while exhibitors will line the main lobby, side auditorium entrances and gymnasiums.

Among the arts and crafts offered are ceramics, knitting, flower arrangements, clothing, bears, jewelry, wooden toys, and more. There will be drawings for about 65 door prizes at 3 p.m. in the gymnasium. Entry donations are $2 for adults, $1 for senior citizens and youth ages 10 and older. Present one of our ads or stop in the office to receive a postcard for your 50-cent entrance discount. Proceeds from the show will be used to supplement the park and recreation department's program fees. Questions? Call the department at 508-261-7384.

March in Christmas parade

The Mansfield Downtown Business Association is looking for participants for the 12th Annual Mansfield Christmas Parade on Sunday, Nov. 29. The parade will march down North Main Street at 3 p.m. and end at the South Common for the tree-lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be prizes for the best floats. To sign up, contact Kristi at Kristi@KristiJohnstonArtworks.com or 508-339-0855.

'Holidays with Alzheimer's Families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease are invited to "Enjoying the Holidays with Alzheimer's," an information and discussion session for caregivers at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15 at The Village at Willow Crossings, 25 Cobb Street. The session will be led by Beverly Moore with Alzheimer Coaching Services. She will discuss ways to make the holidays a joyful time for you and your loved one with Alzheimer's. The program is free and open to the public. The first 20 guests to register will receive a complimentary copy of "Matters of the Mindand the Heart." RSVP at 508-261-1333.

Meet Senate candidates

Here's a reminder that the Democratic Committees of Attleboro, Dover, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medfield, Norton, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Sharon and Walpole will hold a regional U.S. Senate Democratic candidates' forum from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Mansfield Elks Hall, 140 North Main St. The breakfast event, which is open to the public at $15 per person, will be held at the Mansfield Elks Hall, 140 North Main Street, Mansfield.

The invited featured guests are the four Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate candidates running to replace the late Sen. Ted Kennedy: U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, Attorney General Martha Coakley, City Year founder Alan Khazei, and businessman Steve Pagliuca. The four candidates will square off in a primary on Dec. 8. The campaigns may send surrogates if the candidates aren't available.

Shop at school Nov. 19

St. Mary's Catholic School will be hosting its Fifth Annual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Vendors are encouraged to download registration forms at www.stmarymansschool.org. Rosa's Food Shop will be offering samples and taking orders for Thanksgiving desserts. Admission is $2 per person. The event will be in the gymnasium of the school, behind St. Mary's Church at 330 Pratt St.

At the library...

Upcoming events at the library include:

On Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., the library will host Arthritis 101 with Suzanne Gauthier, vice president of health education for the Massachusetts Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. For more information, or to register, call the library at 508-261-7380.

Celebrate Family Literacy Month and honor National Diabetes Month at the library on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. Local author Mary Montione will share her book, "Duffy's Dilemma: a Young Dog Learns to Live Healthy and Happy with Diabetes," which tells the story of beloved family dog Duffy and her life with diabetes. Celebrate Family Literacy Month by putting on your pajamas and bringing a favorite short bedtime book to the library on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Miss Kitty will read a favorite book. A craft will follow.

MATT KAKLEY covers Mansfield for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.