On the Austen Authors Website (www.AustenAuthors.com,) we are planning a “Halloween” celebration at the end of the month, where we will feature Ben H. Winters, author of Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
Planning for this made me think what else might be celebrated in the month of October, besides Breast Cancer Awareness Month, of which we are fully aware. Here are some of the more interesting ones I found.

October Celebrates

The Atchafalaya Basin in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The beauty and mystery of the Atchafalaya Basin will be the focus of a state-sponsored month of events and activities called “Experience Atchafalaya Days,” which is designed to help people learn about opportunities for education, recreation, and adventure in the great swamp.

Saskatchewan Small Business and Cooperatives Month
For two special weeks in October, the spotlight will shine on the enormous contributions that co-operatives and small businesses make to Saskatchewan’s economy.

National Arts and Humanities Month
National Arts and Humanities Month is coordinated by Americans for the Arts, the national organization working to empower communities with the resources and support necessary to provide access to all of the arts for all of the people. This month-long celebration grew out of National Arts Week, which was founded in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts. With 45 years of service, Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

Women’s Small Business Month
October pays tribute to women who own their own small businesses.

Naruto’s Birthday Month
It’s Naruto’s birthday October 10, and Viz Media invites fans to help celebrate the birth of the world’s most popular ninja with the release of the latest volume of the Naruto manga series, the next NARUTO SHIPPUDEN box set, special coverage in SHONEN JUMP magazine, and a series of fun events planned around the 2010 New York Comic Con and Anime Festival.

Health Literacy Month
The month of October brings us two health-related events to celebrate: Health Literacy Month and National Healthcare Quality Week (October 18-24). Both events give healthcare workers and their organizations a chance to think about current practices and how to improve in the name of patient safety.

Croydon (UK) Black History Month
October brings the annual celebration of black history back to Croydon with a busy programme of performances and exhibitions – including plenty of interactive events for all ages.

So, tell me, Dear Readers, what else is celebrated in October in your own communities?