Not getting a ring right away wasn't the sad part of my first proposal. It's the fact that when I did, Mr. Right gave me the tiny bauble in his Jeep while parked at Wendy's. If only the proposal could've been more memorable (I couldn't even tell you now what the guy said), then maybe the actual ring-bearing would've looked more like a formality instead of pathetic. If you have a special someone you want to drop a knee for, then get creative--whether or not a diamond's involved. Otsukimi is a tradition centered on the harvest moon and is a popular setting in Japanese culture for declarations of love. During Otsukimi, merry-makers share poetry, nosh on goodies inspired by the moon and play music. Explore this rite on Thursday at the Dallas Arboretum. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sylvia Komatsu of KERA serving as mistress of ceremonies. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road. Call 214-342-2022 or visit www.jasdfw.org. --Jenice Johnson
Cup Is Overflowing
10/1
Because of Smarty Jones' Cinderella run earlier this year--from improbable high-stakes victories to undoubtedly painful "smiles" on the covers of major weekly magazines--horse racing is peaking in terms of mainstream awareness. Consequently, this year's Breeders' Cup is even more of a gala event, and all eyes will be on the 285 acres of family fun and competitive luxury known as Lone Star Park. FanFest commences on Friday in celebration of the main event taking place on October 30, with a radio control helicopter championship kicking off bright and early and a "Thoroughbreds by Design" decorated fiberglass horse contest running throughout the weekend. A Party at the Park concert will get under way at 6:30 opening night, so even if the first few events described here sound a squash and a Tilt-a-Whirl away from virtually any rinky-dink town's local fair, rest assured that the lovely equine runners and their host will supply a worthwhile time for all. Lone Star Park is at 1000 Lone Star Parkway in Grand Prairie. Call 972-263-7223. --Matt Hursh
Fair Game
10/2
I've never really had much room in my heart for the State Fair of Texas. The last time I was there was about three years ago for the Texas-Oklahoma game; a lot of things went horribly wrong that day. Still, you shouldn't let that discourage you from heading down there for Coca-Cola's Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic football game featuring Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University at the Cotton Bowl on October 2 at 7 p.m. The African-American college teams (and their high-stepping marching bands) have a long-running rivalry, and when they get together you have to throw out the record books. Call Ticketmaster for $20 tickets at 214-373-8000. --John Gonzalez
