If you're like me, summer came and went in a blink, and many of us, who have been left scratching our heads, are wondering what happened to all the fun we had planned.

So, if you feel cheated, now is the time to rectify that by heading to Cedar City for the fall season offerings at the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

The shows are not only great, but they offer a great variety. With a comedy, a drama and a ghost story, you'll experience a full range of emotions in one short weekend.

But the USF has added some free events that will help add to your getaway.

"Cedar City Cemetery Tours": While this doesn't sound like my cup of tea, the rest of you might enjoy it.

Ryan Paul, curator for the Frontier Homestead State Park and Museum, will give the free tour on Oct. 17. But beware, you man see "The Woman in Black."

Those wanting to participate should meet in the museum parking lot, 585 N. Main, after the performance of "The Woman in Black" (about 10 p.m.).

"Shakespearean Spectres and Ghosts of Cedar City," is another free event.

After performances of "The Woman in Black" on Oct. 3 and 17, Michael Bahr and Ryan Paul will give a presentation about fictional ghosts found in the Bard's plays and the "real" ghosts of Cedar City.

The lecture will take place in the auditorium theater, immediately after the show.

The fall festival includes, "The Woman in Black," "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)." The shows run through Oct. 17. For more information, log on to www.bard.org.

Speaking of spooky:

Have you found the perfect costume for Halloween?

If not, you might want to head up to Weber State University's department of performing arts costume sale.

Items for sale include duplicate theater costumes, period clothing, animal costumes, hats, costume jewelry, choir dresses and fabric.

All the costumes are sized for adults. The sale will be held in the hallway outside the Costume Studio, Room 337, in the Val A. Browning Center, Ogden, on Friday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

A bit of magic: A bit of paying it forward. …

"Disney on Ice: Princess Classics," will be in town in November. And, to help you get your little princess to the show, the Salt Lake City Police Department, Smith's Food and the Utah Food Bank are holding a food drive Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m.-noon, at the northeast corner of the EnergySolutions Arena plaza.

Those who bring 10 canned food items will receive one free pass to the opening night performance on Nov. 11.

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com